Basarnas Deploys KN Permadi to Evacuate KMP Mutiara Santosa 2

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed the State Ship (KN) SAR 249 Permadi to assist in the evacuation of passengers from the KMP Mutiara Santosa 2, which caught fire in the northern waters of Sumenep, Madura, on Sunday.

The Head of the Surabaya Class A SAR Office, Nanang Sigit PH, stated that the agency received initial information from the Tanjung Perak Harbour Master at 08:24 WIB regarding the ship fire in the northern Madura waters. “After receiving the report, we immediately coordinated with relevant agencies and prepared the KN SAR 249 Permadi along with rescue teams to proceed to the incident location,” said Nanang.

He explained that, according to information from PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran (ALP), the KMP Mutiara Santosa 2, which serves the Surabaya-Makassar route, was carrying approximately 250 people on board (POB). Coordination between the Sumenep SAR Post and SROP Kalianget at 09:45 WIB indicated that the vessel was located approximately 19 nautical miles north of Burung Island, Sapudi.

At the time, the condition of the ship was reported to be nearly completely burnt, with passengers taking refuge on the bridge and the bow of the vessel. He noted that the Meratus Project 3 vessel, which was in the vicinity, was unable to dock due to its cargo of flammable materials.

Subsequently, at 09:59 WIB, the tugboat TB Hasnur 2t began evacuating passengers from the KMP Mutiara Santosa 2. Additionally, the Sumenep SAR Post deployed one unit of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to accelerate the evacuation process at the scene.

Nanang stated that at 10:20 WIB, it was reported that several passengers had jumped into the sea and were successfully rescued by TB Hasnur 26 and the vessel British Mentor. At that time, four ships were present in the area to provide assistance. “KN SAR 249 Permadi is heading to the location with an estimated travel time of approximately six hours,” he added.