Coal Barge Leak Turns Pangandaran's Sukaresik Beach Black

Sukaresik Beach in Sidamulih District, Pangandaran Regency, has turned black. The seawater has darkened after a coal barge carrying 80,000 tonnes of coal ran aground near the shore.

As of 07:30 WIB on Thursday (18 June 2026), the scene at the coastal location of the stranded barge drew crowds of onlookers. Residents took pictures and posed for selfies with the listing vessel in the background.

Coal from the barge has already spilled and been carried by currents to the Sukaresik coastline. Stretches of coal fragments, resembling coral and marbles in size, are scattered along the beach.

Although no police line has been erected, the site is under tight guard by officers from the Pangandaran Police’s Water and Air Unit (Satpolairud) and military personnel.

The coal barge, carrying 80,000 tonnes of coal, was being towed by the tugboat Titan 33 from Palembang to Cilacap. The journey ended at Batukaras Beach on Tuesday (17 June). The cause of the barge’s beaching and sinking was a leak.

The location where the coal barge sank is not far from Batuhiu Beach and a turtle conservation centre, putting the area at risk of pollution.