KM Asia Raya Runs Aground at Larantuka Port, 23 Passengers Evacuated

The KM Asia Raya, sailing from Maumere to Larantuka, ran aground at Meting Doeng Beach after being hit by strong winds before docking at Larantuka Sea Port on Friday (10/7/2026). The vessel has yet to be evacuated, but all 23 passengers were successfully transferred to another ship on Sunday morning (12/7/2026).

Marine Inspector Kris stated that the KM Asia Raya was entering the Larantuka Port channel on a true heading of 140º. The weather was initially clear before a strong wind suddenly gusted. “The wind and current suddenly changed, striking the port side and pushing the vessel towards the shallow area on the right,” Kris told detikBali on Sunday morning.

Kris explained that the officer on watch or the captain ordered the helmsman to turn the ship to the left, but the vessel was unable to respond due to the strong current and wind. Consequently, the ship ran aground at coordinates 080.161.654” S/1230.01.004” E. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The ship’s crew is waiting for the tide to rise to manoeuvre the vessel out of its stranded position. “Yesterday, Saturday (11/7/2026), we attempted an evacuation but it was not possible due to the waves and wind. We are waiting a few more days for the tide, which is getting higher each day,” he added.

Kris confirmed that all 23 passengers were evacuated this morning using the Wailebe ferry KM Takdir Wotan Wutun. “Thank God, this morning we have evacuated all the passengers to the passenger terminal at Larantuka Port,” he concluded.