Rescuers have recovered a body from an Indonesian aircraft as part of the search for 11 individuals aboard a plane that crashed on an island. Despite this, there is optimism that survivors may still be found.
The recovered body, identified as that of a man, was located approximately 656 feet deep in a ravine on the slope of Mount Bulusaraung on Sulawesi island on Sunday afternoon. It was discovered near the scattered wreckage of the Indonesia Air ATR 42 plane.
Following the crash on January 17, a rescue operation was initiated after the pilot departed from Adisutjipto Airport en route to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. Efforts are currently underway to evacuate the recovered body, although its identity remains unknown pending further investigation.
In addition to the body, larger debris consistent with the main fuselage and tail of the aircraft was also retrieved from a steep northern slope. This development has helped narrow down the search area, providing crucial leads for the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Over 100 personnel, supported by the country’s armed forces, have been deployed across various sectors to assist in the operation. Despite challenges posed by heavy rain and thick fog with limited visibility at the summit, the teams are persevering in their mission.
The aircraft, which was last tracked at 1:17 pm local time, carried eight crew members and three passengers from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry on a maritime surveillance mission. Indonesia heavily relies 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 a recurring issue in the country, highlighting the importance of safety measures and thorough investigations in the transport sector.