Muchlisa
On the afternoon of May 5, the 44 meter long, 211 dwt ferry Muchlisa (IMO: 7930462) sank in the Makassar Strait off the coast of Penajam Paser Utara, Indonesia. The Muchlisa bound from Balikpapan for Penajam with 21 crew and 23 passengers was attempting to berth when its port engine failed when its propeller shaft broke. The crew also found the ferry was suffering uncontrolled water ingress.
Unable to stop the flooding, the crew requested assistance from the PT Ferry 3 Anugerah to take the Muchlisa under tow towards shore. The goal was to beach the ferry and prevent it from sinking. Unfortunately, the water ingress became worse and caused the vessel to capsize and sink by the stern just 200 meters off the shoreline in 20 meters of water.
Authorities launched a search and rescue soon after the incident. Conflicting reports state nearly all the passengers and crew were able to evacuate and were taken ashore. There are reports that some people on board sustained injuries and taken to hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, one crew member perished and one was reported as missing. One news report stated that not all passengers could be accounted.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the water police have questioned witnesses along with the helmsman and master of the Muchlisa. There were no reports that the vessel would be salvaged or not.
