Rescuers have recovered a body from an Indonesian aircraft following a crash on an island, where 11 people were onboard. Despite this grim discovery, there is still hope for potential survivors.
The body of a man was found about 656 feet down a ravine on the slope of Sulawesi island’s Mount Bulusaraung. The recovery operation took place on Sunday afternoon, near the scattered debris of the Indonesia Air ATR 42 plane.
The crash occurred on January 17 while the pilot was en route from Adisutjipto Airport to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. The Makassar Search and Rescue Office chief, Muhammad Arif Anwar, confirmed the ongoing efforts to evacuate the body.
As of now, the identity of the recovered remains is unknown, although they are believed to be linked to the aircraft. Rescuers also retrieved larger debris, consistent with parts of the main fuselage and tail, scattered on a steep northern slope.
Anwar emphasized that the discovery of the aircraft’s main sections has narrowed the search area significantly, providing a crucial lead for the ongoing search operation. He expressed optimism, stating, “Our joint search and rescue teams are now focusing on searching for the victims, especially those who might still be alive.”
Approximately 100 personnel, supported by the country’s armed forces, have been deployed across various sectors. However, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and thick fog with limited visibility, have hampered the rescue efforts.
Major General Bangun Nawoko, the military commander of South Sulawesi Hasanuddin, highlighted the challenges posed by the weather conditions, leading to safety precautions and operational adjustments. Photos and videos released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showcased rescuers navigating steep terrains engulfed in fog to reach the scattered wreckage.
The ill-fated plane, carrying eight crew members and three passengers from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry on a maritime surveillance mission, was last tracked at 1:17 pm local time. Indonesia heavily depends on air transport and ferries to connect its vast archipelago of around 17,000 islands.
Transport accidents, including plane crashes, bus incidents, and ferry disasters, have been recurring issues in the country, highlighting the challenges of ensuring safe and reliable transportation infrastructure.