Captain and Crew of the Putri Sakinah Face Up to Five Years' Imprisonment

On Wednesday, 4 March, the Manggarai Barat Police Criminal Investigation Unit officially handed over the suspects and evidence related to the sinking of the Putri Sakinah Motorised Sailing Vessel in the Padar Strait to the Manggarai Barat State Prosecutor’s Office. The tragedy, which occurred at the end of 2025, now shifts from police investigators to the Public Prosecutor. Two individuals considered responsible at the time of the incident are L (56) as the captain, and MD (23) as Head of Engine Room (KKM), who are now in custody under the Prosecutor’s Office. The head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Manggarai Barat Police, AKP Lufthi Darmawan Aditya, stated that the handover followed the case file being declared complete (P21) by the Prosecutors at the end of February. Investigators have applied accumulative charges against the two suspects for alleged fatal negligence resulting in loss of life and damage to a sea transport facility. “Yesterday we handed over the two suspects, L and MD, together with the evidence to the Manggarai Barat District Attorney. Both are charged under provisions relating to negligence causing death, in accordance with both the old and new Indonesian Penal Code,” AKP Lufthi told CNNIndonesia.com on Wednesday 4 March afternoon. The investigation, which had been conducted over several months, was carried out with care to ensure all legal aspects were met. Field findings indicated a breach of maritime safety procedures as a crucial point in the indictment. “If proven in court, the captain and the KKM of the Putri Sakinah could face a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment,” he asserted. The Stage II process, held from 14:30 to 15:30 WITA, involved identity verification of the suspects and the handover of vessel-related documents. Investigators questioned around 18 witnesses, as well as experts. “Some evidence has been handed over to the Prosecutor, including ship documents and voyage documentation,” added AKP Lufthi. The completion of the case file demonstrates the Manggarai Barat Police’s commitment to handling this matter seriously. Justice for the victims remains a priority. “This is evidence of the Manggarai Barat Police’s professionalism, transparency, and accountability,” he said. AKP Lufthi also delivered a message to operators in the Labuan Bajo tourism and maritime transport sector: he hopes the tragedy will raise safety standards. “The handover of these documents serves as a reminder to the shipping industry to prioritise safety. Passenger safety is non-negotiable,” he stated. The Putri Sakinah tour vessel, 27 Gross Tonnage (GT), carried 11 passengers, including a tourist from Spain, one guide, and four crew. At the time the search was called off, three people were found dead, seven survived, and one remained missing. The vessel sank while sailing from Pulau Kambing to Pulau Komodo, caused by bad weather and high waves. The sinking location is at coordinates 08°36’35.26”S – 119°36’42.84”E, about 23 nautical miles west of Marina Waterfront Labuan Bajo. (lou/isn)