Intim Teratai Vessel Sinks in North Maluku, Passengers Still Holding On Aboard Ship
A number of passengers aboard the Motor Vessel Intim Teratai are reported to still be holding on aboard the ship after it sank in the waters off Makian Island, South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku.
Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to evacuate passengers affected by the incident.
The fast vessel departed from Babang Port bound for Bastiong Port, Ternate, on Monday (16 February) at approximately 21:00 Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT).
However, mid-voyage, the vessel was struck by waves, causing it to run aground and list on Tuesday (17 February) at approximately 04:45 WIT. The location of the incident was at estimated coordinates 0°20’58.00”N / 127°21’24.00”E, or approximately 24.66 nautical miles at a bearing of 174.48° from Ternate City.
As the vessel’s hull began to list, panic broke out among the passengers. Some attempted to save themselves by donning life jackets and jumping into the sea to swim to shore, whilst others chose to remain aboard the vessel awaiting rescue.
Head of the Ternate Search and Rescue Office, Iwan Ramdani, said that upon receiving the report, the Ternate SAR Rescue Team along with relevant agencies immediately deployed to the scene aboard the KN SAR Pandudewanata to carry out the evacuation.
The rescue operation is still ongoing. The SAR team continues to compile passenger manifest data, as complete figures are still being gathered.
“At present, the team on the ground is still compiling passenger manifest numbers. Some passengers have already swum to shore whilst others are still holding on aboard the vessel,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday (17 February).
The operation involves Ternate SAR, the North Maluku Regional Police Water Police Unit (Polairud), the Ternate Naval Base (Lanal), the Ternate Sea and Coast Guard (KPLP), as well as victims’ families who are also present at the location assisting with the evacuation process.
“For the time being, there are no casualties, and we shall provide further updates as developments occur,” he said.