KM Nurul Salsa Sinking Update: 78 On Board, 25 Still Missing

Basarnas Makassar has updated the number of passengers aboard KM Nurul Salsa, which sank in waters west of Polassi Island, Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi.

Based on the latest verification results, the number of people on board the vessel has risen from 75 to 78.

“We continue to update the victim data based on field verification. We cross-check information from the manifest, family reports, the local government, and victims who have already been evacuated to ensure no victims are missed,” said the Head of Basarnas Makassar, Muhammad Arif Anwar, in a statement on Friday (17/7).

Of the total 78 passengers and crew, 52 people were found alive, one person died, whilst 25 others remain the subject of the search as of the third day of the SAR operation on Friday (17/7).

“From that verification, there were three people who had not previously been recorded and were reported missing by their families,” he explained.

On the third day of the search operation, the joint SAR team divided the search area into two sectors. The operation involved KN SAR Kamajaya 104, a Boeing B737-200 aircraft from Sultan Hasanuddin Air Base, and KRI Marlin 877. However, the team has yet to find any additional victims.

Meanwhile, the KN SAR Kamajaya team discovered a life buoy believed to have come from KM Nurul Salsa. However, the object could not be evacuated due to high wave conditions.

“The discovery of the life buoy will be one of the inputs for evaluation to determine the next search strategy,” he revealed.

Nevertheless, the search operation for the 25 victims still missing will continue to be carried out by the joint SAR elements on site.

“The search for victims who have not yet been found will continue in accordance with the operational plan,” he said.