Bukit Raya
On May 18, the 100 meter long, 1408 dwt passenger ferry KM Bukit Raya ran aground on a coral reef in the Lapma Strait near Riau, Indonesia. The Bukit Raya was headed to Pontianak from Anambas with 248 passengers on board when it struck the reef. The ferry sustained hull damage and was holed along its starboard side allowing water ingress.
Authorities were contacted who dispatched several patrol boats to the scene. The patrol boats safely transferred the passengers off the Bukit Raya who were transported to Batu Hitam. No reports of injuries. Reports state a salvage plan was being developed to refloat the Bukit Raya. Reports stated the water ingress did not impact the engine room and there was no damage to the vessel’s propellers. Estimates state the vessel would not be refloated until early June.
