Port Authority Delays Situbondo-Madura Sailings Due to Severe Weather
Situbondo (ANTARA) - The Class IV Harbour Master and Port Authority Office (KSOP) of Panarukan, Situbondo, East Java, has postponed the departure of ferries from Jangkar Port to the islands of Sumenep Regency, Madura, due to bad weather in the form of high waves and strong winds.
Head of the Class IV KSOP of Panarukan, Situbondo, Herland Aprilyanto, said in Situbondo on Friday that the sailing postponement was a follow-up to a vigilance advisory concerning bad weather conditions issued by the Acting Director of Maritime and Shipping Surveillance, dated 23 July 2026.
“This policy was taken as an anticipatory step to improve the safety and security of shipping and to reduce the risk of maritime accidents caused by bad weather,” he said.
According to Herland, the decision was based on the maritime weather forecast issued by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) through the Perak Surabaya Maritime Meteorological Station on 22 July 2026.
Based on that forecast, he continued, there is potential for increased wind speed and wave height in the waters south of Sapudi Island and south of Kangean Island during the period of 23 to 26 July 2026.
“BMKG estimates wave heights in the waters of Madura and surrounding areas at between 1 and 2 metres, which could endanger shipping activities, particularly for passenger vessels, fishing boats and small-sized vessels,” said Herland.
He reminded all ship operators and captains to continuously monitor the latest information and maritime weather forecast updates, especially no later than two hours before the scheduled departure.
Should weather conditions deteriorate during a voyage, captains are asked to immediately coordinate with and report the situation to the nearest harbour master’s office to obtain further instructions.
“The safety and security of shipping is the top priority, therefore we urge all ship owners, operators and captains to postpone departures until weather conditions become conducive again,” he said.