Makassar, indomaritim.com – A search and rescue operation is underway for 24 passengers who remain missing following the accident involving the KM Nurul Salsa in South Sulawesi waters, Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has confirmed.
“The joint SAR team continues searching for the 24 individuals yet to be accounted for,” Makassar Basarnas Office Head Muhammad Arif Anwar stated here on Thursday as quoted by Antara News Agency.
Anwar stated that KM Nurul Salsa experienced engine failure after departing from Jampea Island for the Port of Benteng in Selayar Island, Selayar Islands District, on Wednesday (July 15) at 5 a.m. local time.
The ship’s last known location, where it suffered engine failure and sank, was west of Polassi Island, some 43 nautical miles from its destination, Selayar Island.
Upon receiving reports about the incident, Basarnas deployed its personnel to rescue KM Nurul Salsa passengers.
He explained that according to preliminary information, there were 50 passengers on board during the incident. However, ensuing verification found that the actual number of individuals on board stood at 70.
“The victim’s number is not final as the joint SAR team still awaits additional information from the victims’ families,” he added.
Some 41 passengers and crew were evacuated by KM Harapan Kita on early Thursday. Meanwhile, six other individuals were rescued by a passing fisherman’s boat near the sinking site and evacuated to Polassi Island.
The SAR operation will focus on areas near the accident site as determined by SAR planning calculations, he said, while affirming his side’s determination to optimize their work according to SAR operational procedures.
Parties participating in the rescue operation include rescue teams from the Selayar SAR Office and Makassar Basarnas Office; the Indonesian Navy, which deployed the KRI Marlin 877 patrol boat; and local fishermen. (Edo)
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