Five people have been rescued after an Indonesian boat sank, at least 20 are missing Story

The survivors were found clinging to fish traps and floating debris in the sea three days after the ship sank.

Five people have been rescued, including a seven-year-old girl, who was stranded at sea off the coast of Indonesia for three days after their boat capsized off South Sulawesi. The search is on for at least 20 others.

The five survivors – one man, three women and the girl – were found in a fishing boat before dark on Saturday near Matallang island off the coast of Sulawesi and were taken to a search and rescue ship.

They clung to fish traps and debris after the KM Nurul Salsa suffered engine damage and sank on Wednesday with 78 passengers and crew on board.

“When the ship sank, each of them saved themselves using whatever equipment or floats they could find,” search and rescue director Muhammad Arif Anwar said.

“They collected jerry cans and pieces of cage tied with rope, then climbed on top of it.”

They told the rescuers that they were in a group of 25 people, but during their ordeal they were separated from the others by strong winds.

Local media reported that 47 people were rescued on the day the boat sank, and one person is known to have drowned.

Five large ships, a reconnaissance plane and a helicopter are being used to search for those still missing.

KM Nurul Salsa was traveling from Jampea Island to Benteng port on Selayar Island in South Sulawesi. It sank 43 miles (79 km) from port.

Cruise boats are a popular option in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. Lax safety standards and overcrowding problems often lead to accidents.

Earlier this month, at least six people died and many were missing after a boat carrying 65 people capsized. drowned on the island of Bali in Indonesia.