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Tag: Indonesia

Tunu Pratama Jaya

Tunu Pratama Jaya

Tunu Pratama Jaya
Photo: Bali Search and Rescue

On the night of July 2, the 63 meter long, 955 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Tunu Pratama Jaya (IMO: 8749432) sank in the Bali Strait off Ketapang Port, Indonesia. The ferry was making a regular crossing between Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Port, Bali when it suffered water ingress in the engine room. The flooding could not be contained and the Tunu Pratama Jaya suffered a total power blackout a few minutes later.  Adrift and being pulled by the strong currents, the ferry rolled in rough seas. The Tunu Pratama Jaya continued to roll until it finally lost stability allowing water to rush over its decks causing the ferry to capsize and sink in the middle of the strait.

The Tunu Pratama Jaya was able to send out a distress call with another ferry the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888 responding. Unfortunately, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888 was unable to evacuate passengers or crew before the ferry sank. The Indonesian Navy, local water police and several volunteers began a search and operation looking for survivors in the water. Authorities report that 35 survivors were pulled from the water along with 6 bodies recovered.

The Tunu Pratama Jaya had listed to have 53 passengers and 12 crew on board, but this number may not match to the total who were on board during the incident.   Reports state that rough seas with waves of 2 meters have hampered search efforts.

Witness accounts stated the vessel was rolling badly before it finally capsized. These accounts stated that the vessel did not attempt to distribute life jackets before it sank. One account stated the passengers swam free of the ferry and found several life jackets in the water before being rescued by a local fisherman. The exact cause of the water ingress is still under investigation by authorities. Reports states that authorities halted the search and rescue operations later on July 3.

Iska 1165

Iska 1165

Iska 1165
Photo: kendariinfo.com

On the early morning of June 27, the tugboat Iska 1165 (MMSI: 525021101) ran aground and partially sank in Tanjung Goram some 33 nautical miles from the Wanci Marina Pier in Lantagi, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The tug was hit by high waves during a voyage from Ereke, North Buton to Moramo resulting in the Iska 1165 grounding.  As waves swamped the tugboat, three crew attempted to swim ashore to seek help.  One crew member reached shore while another swam back to the tugboat. The remaining crew member was swept away by the current.

Authorities dispatched rescuers to the scene, but found high waves prevented getting close to the tugboat.  It would be several hours later when weather conditions improved that rescuers reached the Iska 1165.  Authorities found 7 persons alive on the tugboat who were taken ashore and received medical treatment. The body of the crew member who was swept away by the current was recovered.  No further details reported.

Muchlisa

Muchlisa

Muchlisa
Photo: inspirasa.co

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.