KSOP Labuan Bajo Sanctions Grand Maoloekoe Captain for Violating Sailing Ban
The Labuan Bajo Port Authority (KSOP) in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has taken firm action by imposing sanctions on the captain of the tourist vessel Grand Maoloekoe, identified by the initials DD. The sanction was imposed after the captain was proven to have violated a sailing ban issued due to severe weather.
Head of KSOP Labuan Bajo, Stephanus Risdiyanto, revealed that DD had been under examination since Monday (10/8). As a consequence of the violation, DD was sanctioned with removal from the vessel and a three-week suspension of his seafarer’s certificate.
“The person concerned has been sanctioned and removed from his vessel,” said Stephanus in Labuan Bajo on Tuesday (11/8).
Stephanus explained that DD had insisted on taking a group of tourists to the Komodo National Park area, despite the port authority having issued an official warning. The ban was issued to anticipate risks to life due to extreme weather conditions and high waves in those waters.
The tourists aboard the Grand Maoloekoe were reportedly part of a group accompanying celebrity Jessica Mila, who was visiting Padar Island. The sailing activity came under scrutiny after a video of their trip went viral on social media, prompting reactions from netizens and other tourism operators.
“The vessel’s certificate has also been suspended as a result of his actions,” Stephanus stressed.
He added that this firm measure is part of efforts to prevent a repeat of tourist boat accidents that have claimed lives in the super-priority tourism area. KSOP Labuan Bajo is also targeting other captains reported to have committed similar violations.
According to Stephanus, several captains reported for breaching the rules have not yet been examined because they are still at sea. However, he assured that all reports will be followed up through the official examination process.
Previously, a number of tourism operators in Labuan Bajo had questioned the presence of vessels continuing to operate despite the sailing ban. They claimed to have complied with KSOP instructions for safety reasons, and viewed the Grand Maoloekoe’s sailing activity as undermining collective compliance with maritime safety regulations.