Basarnas Searches Sabalana Islands to NTB Waters for KM Salsa Victims

The joint SAR team has begun focusing its search for victims of the sunken KM Nurul Salsa in the waters of the Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, towards the Sabalana Islands and the waters of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). “Based on analysis of ocean current data we use as an operational reference, there is potential for drifting objects to move towards the waters of West Nusa Tenggara,” said Head of Operations and Alert for Basarnas Makassar, Andi Sultan, in a statement on Wednesday (22/7). On the eighth day, the joint SAR team divided the operation area into two sectors. The KN SAR Pacitan along with a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) carried out searches in the eastern part of the Sabalana Islands, particularly on uninhabited islands. Meanwhile, the KLM Mattoangin conducted searches in the western part of the Sabalana Islands. “Therefore, we will also continue to carry out and monitor the search along the shipping lanes leading to the NTB region in coordination with all relevant SAR elements,” he said. Andi explained that weather conditions remain the main challenge in carrying out the operation. High waves around the Sabalana Islands mean personnel must move more cautiously without reducing the intensity of the search. “These conditions are a concern in the execution of the operation, because personnel safety remains the priority. However, the search continues by adjusting operational patterns in the field to remain effective and safe,” he explained. As of the eighth day of the operation, out of a total of 78 people who were aboard the KM Nurul Salsa, 59 survived, 3 were found dead, while 16 others are still being searched for. “One body cannot yet be confirmed whether it is a passenger of the KM Nurul Salsa; we are still waiting for information from the DVI team,” said Andi.