Four missing after boat collision in Bintan waters

Four people have been reported missing following a ship collision in the waters off Pengikik Island, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province. The incident involved a wooden vessel, KM Putra Buluh, and a cargo ship. The Tanjungpinang Search and Rescue Office received the report from the Riau Islands branch of the Indonesian Fishermen’s Association. KM Putra Buluh had departed from Tanjung Pandan, Belitung Island, on Monday, 3 August 2026, at around 07:00 WIB, carrying five people for a fishing trip. The boat arrived at its destination on Tuesday, 4 August, and remained there until Friday, 7 August. On Saturday, 8 August, at approximately 02:00 WIB, the vessel was struck by a cargo ship en route to Kalimantan. The collision caused severe damage, splitting KM Putra Buluh into two parts. One victim, 30-year-old Khairul, managed to survive by using a fiber cover as a flotation aid and was later rescued by KM Lima Saudara Kandung. The four missing individuals are Samsir Arwan, 27; Andi Syamsu, 53; Muhammad Irfan, 28; and Agustono, 28. The Tanjungpinang SAR Office is coordinating with various authorities, including the Tanjungpinang Port Authority, the Pangkalpinang SAR Office, and the Pontianak SAR Office, to support the ongoing search operation.