Selayar, Indonesia—The small fishing boat vanished beneath the waves following a sudden shift in weather patterns this morning. Two crew members were swept away when the vessel lost its stability.

Other fishers in the area witnessed the boat flip and immediately sent out a distress signal. High waves and strong winds have hampered the initial response from the local port authority.

Rescue teams from the regional search agency arrived on the scene by early afternoon. They have been scanning the area for signs of the missing men but have found only scattered debris.

Conditions at sea remain unstable, making it dangerous for smaller craft to continue the search as the day wears on. Experts on the ground believe the current has pushed the victims further offshore.

Family members of the missing crew have gathered at the harbor to wait for news. The mood is grim as officials explain the limited chances of finding survivors given the time elapsed.

The local marine police are coordinating with nearby vessels to expand the search perimeter. They are also reviewing the safety equipment that was on board at the time of the incident.

This sector of the Selayar waters is known for unpredictable shifts in currents. Local fishers often face these risks, but few incidents have resulted in such a dire outcome this year.

The search operation will pause for the night due to poor visibility and rough seas. Plans are in place to resume the recovery effort as soon as the sun rises tomorrow.