Putri Papua
On the morning of February 4, the 53 meter long phinisi sailing vessel Putri Papua (MMSI: 525003530) sank in the Pacific Ocean 12 miles off the coast of Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia. The Putri Papua had suffered engine failure and alerted authorities via WhatsApp of the damage to the vessel. Before Indonesian authorities could reach the vessel, all 17 crew and passengers had evacuated to a life raft. The Putri Papua would sink a short time later. Two crew were injured during the incident and taken to hospital for treatment.
The cause of the water ingress was not disclosed. Indonesian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.