The sinking of MV Wahai Star occurred on the night of 10 July 2007, when a speedboat tugged by the ferry accidentally crashed into its stern, resulting in a major leak.

[1] The investigation conducted by the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee concluded that the main cause of the accident was the crew's decision to continue to Ambon despite deteriorating weather conditions.

After failing to stop the resulting leak, the captain instructed the passengers and crew to abandon the ferry.

[1] MV Wahai Star departed Namrole Harbour on Buru Island at 09.00 a.m local time.

[1] At 21:30, the Captain of MV Wahai Star ordered the crew members to distribute life jackets to the passengers and to issue a distress call to local authorities.

All attempts to drain the water proved unsuccessful and the engine compartment was flooded, causing the lighting of the ferry to fail.

[1][5] Prior to the ferry's departure, ground officials had issued warnings not to travel to the waters around Ambon Island due to the deteriorating weather conditions.

[5] The official final report concluded that the sinking was caused by high waves produced by adverse weather conditions in the area.