All KLM Armada Mulya Passengers Safe After Sea Accident
Mataram (ANTARA) - A total of 44 passengers and crew members of the motor sailing vessel (KLM) Armada Mulya were safely evacuated following a maritime accident in Sanggar Strait, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.
Head of the Bima Kota Police AKBP Mubiarto, in a statement received in Mataram on Friday, said the evacuation was carried out by a joint team consisting of the Bima Kota Police Maritime Unit, the Bima Police Maritime Unit, Bima Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Bima Port Harbours and Port Authority Office (KSOP), the harbourmaster, and other relevant agencies.
“The evacuation was successfully carried out thanks to the support of the joint team from the Bima Kota and regency Police Maritime Units, Basarnas Bima, KSOP of Bima Seaport, the harbourmaster, and other agencies that helped,” said Mubiarto.
The incident began when the Maritime Unit of the Bima Kota Police received a report from the vessel’s owner regarding the sinking of KLM Armada Mulya in Sanggar Strait.
The vessel had sailed from Kayangan Port, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, bound for Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.
“A large wave from the north struck the vessel, causing damage and leaks to the front and rear of the left hull. Water then entered the vessel until it eventually began to sink,” he said.
The captain then instructed all passengers and crew to put on life jackets and board the lifeboats.
The joint team set off for the location using boats on Friday at around 05.00 Central Indonesia Time to carry out the evacuation.
“All the victims were then successfully evacuated and transferred to the pioneer vessel Amukti Palapa, which subsequently took them to Bima Seaport,” he said.
Examination showed that all passengers were safe. One foreign national sustained injuries and was referred to Bima Regional General Hospital for medical treatment, while the other passengers were placed in a hotel to rest.
The Bima Kota Police Chief commended the synergy of all elements involved in the rescue operation, which ensured that all passengers, most of whom were foreign tourists, were evacuated safely.
He urged sea transport operators and passengers to always prioritise safety aspects of shipping and pay attention to weather conditions before setting sail.