18 Still Missing from KM Nurul Salsa as Search Expands to NTB Waters

The search operation for the KM Nurul Salsa, which sank in the waters off Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, has entered its sixth day with an expanded search area. The Director of Operations for the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), First Admiral Yudhi Bramantyo, is leading the effort, which now covers 1,980 square nautical miles divided into five sectors. The expansion towards the waters of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is based on Search and Rescue Mapping Area (SARMAP) modelling predicting that victims may have drifted southwest. As of Monday, 59 passengers have been rescued, one body has been recovered, and 18 people remain missing. The victim count is based on family reports to the SAR post, not the ship’s manifest. The joint operation involves significant military and Basarnas assets, including the Indonesian Navy’s KRI Marlin and KRI Hiu, three Basarnas vessels, and aerial support from a Boeing 737-200 maritime patrol aircraft. KM Nurul Salsa sank after experiencing engine failure and being struck by high waves and strong winds while en route from Jampea Island to Benteng Port.