Sulawesi, Indonesia—A fishing boat accident occurred in the waters off Sulawesi early this morning, leaving one person missing. Local search and rescue teams have declared the individual presumed dead as the operation continues.

The vessel reportedly encountered rough sea conditions while returning to port. The boat lost stability and capsized, throwing all occupants into the water.

Other fishermen in the vicinity managed to rescue two survivors who were clinging to debris. The survivors were taken to a local clinic for observation and treatment of exposure.

High waves and strong currents have hampered the search for the missing victim throughout the day. Authorities deployed two patrol boats to scan the area where the boat sank.

The captain of the vessel is currently assisting the maritime police with their report on the incident. Initial statements indicate that the engine failed moments before the boat turned over.

The families of the crew gathered at the harbor waiting for news from the rescue coordination center. The atmosphere remains tense as the probability of finding the victim alive decreases.

Official search operations will pause at sundown and resume at first light tomorrow. The coast guard has issued a warning to all small vessel operators to avoid the area until conditions improve.

The wreckage of the boat has yet to be located. Investigators are examining the manifest to ensure all passengers were accounted for during the initial rescue phase.