Basarnas Kendari Deploys KN SAR Pacitan in Search for KM Nurul Salsa Victims

The Kendari Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed 28 personnel and the State Vessel (KN) SAR Pacitan to search for victims of the sinking of the KM Nurul Salsa in the waters of the Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi. Head of Basarnas Kendari, Amiruddin A.S., explained that the deployment is part of the SAR operation under operational control (BKO) to accelerate the evacuation process and the search for missing victims. KN SAR Pacitan departed from the Basarnas Eastern Kendari Pier on Saturday (18/7/2026) at 12.10 WITA. “KN SAR Pacitan is heading to the waters west of Polassi Island, the location where KM Nurul Salsa was reported to have sunk on 15 July 2026,” said Amiruddin when confirmed on Saturday evening. The distance from the Kendari Pier to the last known coordinates of the missing vessel is estimated at 262 nautical miles. With a maximum speed of 20 knots, the sea journey is predicted to take approximately 18 hours. To support the effectiveness of the field operation, the team is equipped with various main tools and safety equipment, including one sea rider unit, a lifeboat, a rubber boat, emergency medical equipment, evacuation equipment, and satellite communication devices. According to data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), weather conditions along the shipping route to the location are reported to be cloudy. Winds are blowing from the east to the south at speeds considered conducive for the SAR team’s voyage. Meanwhile, the Head of the Makassar Basarnas Office, Muhammad Arif Anwar, provided an update on the victim data on the fourth day of the SAR operation. Of the total 78 people on board the KM Nurul Salsa at the time of the accident, 25 remain missing. “Basarnas, together with all joint SAR elements, continues to deploy its best capabilities to find the 25 victims still declared missing. The presence of KN Pacitan from Kendari is expected to expand the search area,” concluded Arif Anwar.