Indonesian Navy Successfully Evacuates Victims of Burning Ship in Northern Natuna Waters

Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) utilised the Republic of Indonesia Warship (KRI) Kapitan Pattimura-371 and KRI Wiratno-379 to successfully evacuate victims from a burning ship in the waters of Northern Natuna, Kepulauan Riau (Kepri). “This success demonstrates the alertness of TNI AL personnel in carrying out humanitarian duties at sea, while also safeguarding maritime safety in the national jurisdictional area,” said Commander of KRI Kapitan Pattimura, Lieutenant Colonel (N) Rachmad Firdaus, in his statement in Tanjungpinang on Thursday. Lieutenant Colonel Rachmad explained that the incident began on Tuesday (14/4) at 17:30 WIB, when KRI Kapitan Pattimura-371, which was conducting Operasi Beladau Sakti-26, was patrolling the eastern sector of Bunguran. Following up on the report, KRI Kapitan Pattimura-371 immediately proceeded to the location at increased speed and altered course. After sailing overnight, on Wednesday (15/4) at 06:00 WIB, the KRI arrived near the site and immediately communicated with nearby vessels via maritime radio to confirm the victims’ condition. “From the communication, all 11 crew members of KM Timbul Barokah 02 had already been rescued earlier by the fishing vessel KM Dewantara Putra,” he revealed. Lieutenant Colonel Rachmad continued that KRI Kapitan Pattimura-371 then approached, lowered a lifeboat, and evacuated all the victims from KM Dewantara Putra to the KRI safely and smoothly. As a follow-up, KRI Kapitan Pattimura-371 coordinated with KRI Wiratno-379 for the transfer of the sea accident victims. “At 11:00 WIB, all crew members were transferred to KRI Wiratno-379 for evacuation to the Sabang Mawang Naval Post Dock and subsequently coordinated with the Ranai Naval Base,” said Lieutenant Colonel Rachmad. After the evacuation process, KRI Kapitan Pattimura-371 resumed its surveillance and security duties for SKK Migas activities in the geophysical survey within the working area of PT Pertamina East Natuna.