18 Still Missing from KM Nurul Salsa as Search Expands to NTB Waters
The search operation for victims of the KM Nurul Salsa, which sank in the waters of Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, has entered its sixth day with high intensity. The Director of Operations at Basarnas, First Admiral TNI Yudhi Bramantyo, is personally leading the expansion of the search area for the sunken vessel to 1,980 square nautical miles, divided into five sectors.
As of Monday (20 July), of the total 78 passengers and crew, 59 people had been found alive, one person had died, while 18 others were still being sought.
In his statement, First Admiral Yudhi Bramantyo said that the search operation on the sixth day had seen a significant increase compared to previous days.
“Yesterday there were perhaps only 4 sectors, today it has grown to 5 sectors, and the area is wider, so today’s coverage is considerably broader,” he said. The search area has been set at 1,980 square nautical miles, with each sector covering 396 square nautical miles.
The expansion was carried out based on the results of the Search and Rescue Mapping Area (SARMAP) modelling, which predicts that victims were most likely carried by currents towards the southwest, approaching the waters of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). As a precaution, Basarnas has placed the Mataram SAR Office and the Denpasar SAR Office on standby, ready to be deployed at any time.
This search operation involves substantial forces from the TNI and Basarnas. From the Indonesian Navy, KRI Marlin and KRI Hiu from the VI Naval Fleet in Makassar have been deployed. Meanwhile, from the Indonesian Air Force, Hasanuddin Air Base has dispatched a Boeing 737-200 maritime patrol aircraft as well as a helicopter on standby at the location.
On the Basarnas side, three SAR vessels have been deployed simultaneously: KN SAR Kamajaya from the Makassar SAR Office, KN SAR Pacitan from Kendari, and KN SAR Punta Dewa from Maumere. In addition, one Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) unit from Mataram has also been placed on standby as a reserve force.
The Director of Basarnas Operations detailed the ongoing evacuation progress. On the fourth day of the operation, the team successfully evacuated 5 victims alive. Then on the fifth day, two more victims were found. This brings the total number of survivors to 59 people.
One victim was reported dead, while 18 others remain missing. The victim figures are based on confirmation from families who reported to the SAR Post, rather than the ship’s manifest.
The KM Nurul Salsa was reported to have sunk in the waters west of Polasi Island, Selayar Islands Regency, on Wednesday (15 July). The wooden vessel was sailing from Jampea Island Port to Kota Benteng Port in Selayar.
The ship suffered engine failure mid-journey before being struck by high waves and strong winds, causing it to sink.
Two passengers of the KM Nurul Salsa were found alive on Balaloho Island. The total number of survivors now stands at 59, while 18 others are still being sought by the SAR Team.
KRI Marlin-877 successfully evacuated two survivors of the sinking of the KLM Nurul Salsa 01 in the waters of Selayar. The search for three other victims is still ongoing.
Basarnas Kendari dispatched 28 personnel and the KN SAR Pacitan to assist in the search for 25 missing victims of the KM Nurul Salsa, which sank in the waters of Selayar.
Five passengers of the KM Nurul Salsa, which sank in the waters of Selayar, South Sulawesi, were found alive around Mattalang Island, Selayar Regency, South Sulawesi.
The joint SAR team expanded the search area for victims of the KM Nurul Salsa to 448 square nautical miles with additional fleet support from Kendari and Maumere.