All KLM Armada Mulya Passengers Safe After Sea Accident

A total of 44 passengers and crew of the Motor Sailing Vessel (KLM) Armada Mulya were rescued after a maritime accident in the Sanggar Strait, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. Bima City Police Chief AKBP Mubiarto stated that the evacuation was carried out by a joint team comprising the Bima City Police Water Unit, Bima Regency Police Water Unit, the Bima Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Bima Port Authority (KSOP), the harbormaster, and other related agencies. The incident began when the Bima City Police Water Unit received a report from the ship owner about the sinking of KLM Armada Mulya in the Sanggar Strait. The vessel was sailing from Kayangan Port in East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, to Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara. Large waves from the north struck the ship, causing damage and leaks to the front and rear sections of the port hull. Water then entered the vessel until it began to sink. The captain immediately instructed all passengers and crew to put on life jackets and board the lifeboat. The joint team moved to the location using a rescue boat on Friday at around 5.00 a.m. Central Indonesia Time to conduct the evacuation. All victims were successfully evacuated and transferred to the pioneer vessel Amukti Palapa to be brought to Bima Port. Examinations showed 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 accommodated in a hotel to rest. The Bima City Police Chief expressed appreciation for the synergy of all elements involved in the rescue operation, which ensured the safe evacuation of all passengers, most of whom were foreign tourists. He urged sea transport operators and users to always prioritise shipping safety and pay attention to weather conditions before sailing.