Natuna SAR Office Searches for Missing Cargo Ship Carrying Four Crew Members

The Natuna Search and Rescue (SAR) Office in Riau Islands Province is conducting a search operation for a cargo ship carrying four crew members.

The Head of the Natuna SAR Office, Abdul Rahman, confirmed from Natuna on Saturday that his office received a report from the shipping agent, PT Midai Putra, on Saturday.

According to the agent, the vessel is named KM. Ocean Three. The ship departed from Sedanau (Natuna) bound for Pemangkat (Sambas) on Wednesday afternoon (24/6) and was expected to arrive in Pemangkat on Friday (26/6). However, as of Saturday morning (27/6), it had not reached its destination.

“After becoming aware of the incident, we received information regarding several pieces of scattered fibre cargo in the sea at coordinates 03°44’ N 108°29’ E. After coordinating with the shipping agent, authorities in Sedanau confirmed that this debris belongs to the KM. Ocean Three, which has lost contact,” he said.

The Natuna SAR Office noted that the ship is carrying four male crew members: Zaidan (47), Yoga (57), Arip (57), and Aldi (51).

The missing vessel is a cargo ship with a size of 15 GT. The search area, or Last Known Position (LKP), has been established at coordinates 03°44,000’ N 108°29,000’ E with a sailing direction of 151°. In this operation, Natuna SAR is being assisted by the Ranai Naval Base (Lanal Ranai) and the Natuna Indonesian Fishermen and Sea Users Association (HNSI).

“The Joint SAR Team, along with Lanal Ranai, has moved towards the LKP where the fibre debris was found to carry out the search,” he added.

The Natuna SAR Office has urged all seafarers and coastal communities who may have information or see signs of the ship or its victims to immediately report to the Natuna SAR Office via their WhatsApp call centre at 082283907707.

“The search operation is currently ongoing,” he stated.