Four missing after boat collision in Bintan waters

Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - Head of the Tanjungpinang Search and Rescue Office (SAR) Fazzli stated that four victims are missing following a boat accident in the waters off Pengikik Island, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province (Kepri).

Fazzli said that according to information received by his office, the maritime accident involved a wooden vessel, KM Putra Buluh, and a cargo ship in the waters around Pengikik Island.

“This information was received through the Tanjungpinang SAR Com Center, from the Riau Islands branch of the Indonesian Fishermen’s Association (HNSI),” Fazzli said in a statement in Tanjungpinang on Monday evening.

Fazzli explained that the chronology of the incident began when KM Putra Buluh, carrying five passengers, departed from Tanjung Pandan, Belitung Island, on Monday, 3 August 2026, at around 07.00 WIB, heading for the waters around Pengikik Island to carry out fishing activities.

The vessel had been at the destination location from Tuesday, 4 August, until Friday, 7 August.

Subsequently, on Saturday, 8 August, at around 02.00 WIB, KM Putra Buluh was reported to have been struck by a cargo ship sailing towards Kalimantan.

“As a result of this incident, KM Putra Buluh suffered severe damage and was split into two parts,” Fazzli revealed.

Fazzli continued that one of the victims, Khairul (30 years old), managed to save himself by using a fibreglass cover as a flotation aid. The victim was later found and evacuated by KM Lima Saudara Kandung.

Meanwhile, four other people remained missing as of Monday, 10 August, and are still being searched for: Samsir Arwan (27), Andi Syamsu (53), Muhammad Irfan (28), and Agustono (28).

Fazzli said the Tanjungpinang SAR Office has coordinated with a number of relevant parties, including the Tanjungpinang SROP, the Tanjungpinang Class II Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), HNSI Kepri, the Pangkalpinang SAR Office, and the vessel owner.

In addition, his office is also coordinating with the Pontianak SAR Office regarding the possible movement and support of State Vessel (KN) SAR assets in carrying out search operations for the victims.

“We continue to coordinate and monitor developments in information to support the search effort for the four victims who are still reported missing,” Fazzli concluded.