Combined search and rescue operation evacuates five crew members from sunken vessel off Trenggalek waters

Trenggalek, East Java — A combined search and rescue team evacuated five crew members of the fishing vessel KM Natasya 01 after the dual-engine fishing boat sank following a collision with a submerged coral reef in the southern waters of Trenggalek Regency, East Java, on Monday.

The Chief of Watulimo District Police, AKP Sunarto, stated that all five crew members were found safe after drifting at sea for approximately 12 hours before being assisted by a passing fishing vessel.

The maritime accident occurred in waters near Pulau Solimo, Watulimo District, on Sunday evening around 20:00 WIB.

The captain of KM Natasya 01, Musoleh (36), a resident of Pekalongan, Central Java, said the vessel had set sail from Popoh Port in Tulungagung on 26 February 2026 for a fishing expedition. “Last night we planned to return to Popoh Port after 18 days at sea,” Musoleh said in Trenggalek.

However, during the return journey, the vessel suddenly struck a submerged coral reef that was not visible on the sea surface. According to Musoleh, the darkness made it impossible to see the reef, causing the approximately six-person capacity vessel to develop a hull breach.

“After striking the reef, the ship began to leak and sank completely about five minutes later,” he said.

The crew members on board quickly left the vessel to save themselves before it fully sank. Musoleh explained that they then survived in the sea by utilising the ship’s hatch cover as a floating aid.

For approximately 12 hours, the crew members drifted at sea until they were located by two fishermen who were fishing near the accident site. “Alhamdulillah, everyone is safe. We were found by fishermen who were fishing and they brought us ashore,” he said.

KM Natasya 01 is a fishing vessel of approximately five gross tonnage (GT) that was carrying a cargo of fish from the fishing expedition at the time of the incident.