SAR Operation for KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 Fire Victims Officially Closed

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has officially ended the special SAR operation for the KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 fire on its third day. The decision was made after all 238 people on board were accounted for, comprising 233 survivors and five fatalities.

Basarnas Chief Mohammad Syafii stated that the special operation has been transitioned to a routine standby operation controlled by the Surabaya SAR Office. Nevertheless, monitoring at the fire location will continue.

"I officially announce that the special SAR operation for the KM Mutiara Sentosa II emergency has been transferred to a routine operation, namely a standby operation controlled by the Head of the Surabaya SAR Office," Syafii said during a press conference at Gapura Surya Nusantara, as reported by detikJatim on Tuesday (4/8/2026).

He explained that the decision was made after Basarnas confirmed that the number of people on board matched data obtained from the Harbourmaster and the ship’s operator. The verification results showed a total of 238 people on board, including passengers, crew members, and operational support staff.

Although the special operation has been halted, Basarnas has not completely withdrawn from handling the incident. A complaint post remains open to anticipate possible reports from families who believe their relatives have not been found.

Furthermore, Basarnas will adjust its next steps according to the investigation needs of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). Should the KNKT require support to locate the KM Mutiara Sentosa II, which is no longer visible on the sea surface, Basarnas is prepared to provide assistance as needed.