Basarnas Deploys KN SAR 249 Permadi to Evacuate Passengers of KM Mutiara Santosa 2
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed the State Ship (KN) SAR 249 Permadi to support the evacuation process of passengers from KMP Mutiara Santosa 2, which caught fire in the waters north of Sumenep, Madura, on Sunday (2/8).
The Head of the Surabaya Class A SAR Office, Nanang Sigit PH, explained that his office received the initial report regarding the incident from the Tanjung Perak Harbour Master at 08:24 WIB. “After receiving the report, we immediately coordinated with relevant agencies and prepared KN SAR 249 Permadi along with a rescue team to proceed to the scene,” said Nanang.
According to information from PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran (ALP), KMP Mutiara Santosa 2, which serves the Surabaya–Makassar route, was carrying approximately 250 people on board (POB). Nanang revealed that reports from PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran indicated the captain reported a fire in the waters north of Madura between 06:00 and 07:00 WIB. Following that report, communication with the captain could no longer be established.
Coordination between the Sumenep SAR Post and the Kalianget Coast Radio Station (SROP) at 09:45 WIB showed the ship’s position was approximately 19 nautical miles north of Burung Island, Sapudi. At that time, the ship was reported to be nearly burnt out. Passengers were known to be holding on in the bridge and bow areas while awaiting rescue.
Meanwhile, the vessel Meratus Project 3, which was located near the site, could not approach because it was carrying flammable cargo, posing a risk if it drew too close to the burning ship. To accelerate the rescue, the tugboat TB Hasnur 26 moved towards the location and began evacuating passengers from KMP Mutiara Santosa 2 at 09:59 WIB.
In addition to sending KN SAR 249 Permadi, the Sumenep SAR Post also deployed one Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to support the evacuation process. Nanang added that at 10:20 WIB, it was reported that several passengers chose to jump into the sea to save themselves. They were subsequently successfully evacuated by TB Hasnur 26 and the vessel British Mentor.
During the rescue operation, four ships were present in the vicinity to provide assistance to the victims. “KN SAR 249 Permadi is heading to the location with an estimated travel time of approximately six hours,” he stated.