Indonesia – Shipwreck Log

The 71 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry KM Bahari Indonesia caught fire in the Java Sea while en route to Pontianak from Jakarta. The KM Bahari Indonesia departed from Jakarta with 26 passengers and 20 vehicles for a 9 hour voyage to Pontianak. During the voyage, a vehicle on the main deck caught fire and quickly spread to the other vehicles. The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze, but the heat and smoke made it impossible.

Unable to contain the fire, the ferry sent out a distress call for assistance. Several hours later the KM Samudera Jaya Abadi arrived on scene and rescued all the passenger and crew. A tug was dispatch the following day to take the KM Bahari Indonesia under tow back to port. Reports state the fire had severely damaged the ferry, but was still afloat. The ferry was towed to an anchorage some 100 miles from Jakarta. The Indonesia Coast Guard has been monitoring the vessel. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

KM Camar 1

June 30, 2020 Paul Hancock

The 34 meter long, 150 gt cargo vessel KM Camar 1 sank in the Malacca Strait off Jemur Island, Indonesia. The KM Camar 1 was en route to Port Klang, Malaysia from Tanjung Balai when it became swamped by 2 meter high waves. The vessel’s cargo hold suffered water ingress and the 6 pumps on board were unable to keep up with the flooding. The KM Camar 1 turned back and tried to shelter off Jemur Island. As the vessel got closer to the island, it partially sank in shallow water leaving some of the superstructure above water. All 9 crew on board were rescued by local fishermen. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Dharma Rucitra 3

June 14, 2020 Paul Hancock

On June 12, the ro-ro passenger ferry Dharma Rucitra 3 sank at Padang Bai, Bali. The Dharma Rucitra 3 had departed from Lembar, Lombok Island with passengers and vehicles and proceeded to Padang Bai. While the ferry berthed in Padang Bai, the vessel lost stability and developed a strong starboard list. Reports state the list resulted in vehicles shifting on the car deck of the Dharma Rucitra 3. Lower decks of the ferry began to suffer water ingress and the vessel began to sink by the stern. The ferry’s pumps were unable to contain the flooding and the Dharma Rucitra 3 settled by the stern.

All 60 passengers on board were safely evacuated to shore. No reports of injuries. Authorities have placed booms around the vessel to contain any pollution released. All 32 vehicles on board the Dharma Rucitra 3 were still below deck when it sank.

Some news reports have stated the ferry may had suffered a leak in the bilge causing the flooding and instability. Authorities have stated the vessel will be salvaged. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.