Search for 27 Missing KLM Nurul Salsa Victims Expands as SAR Team Widens Sweep Sectors
Search efforts for victims of the sinking of the Motor Sailing Vessel (KLM) Nurul Salsa in the waters west of Polassi Island, Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, have entered a crucial phase on the third day, Friday (17/7). The Makassar Class A Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas) is now expanding the sweep radius by deploying the KN SAR Kamajaya and tactical support from an Indonesian Air Force Boeing B737-200 aircraft. This measure was taken to accelerate the discovery of dozens of victims who are still declared missing.
Based on the latest verification results from the joint SAR team together with the local government and victims’ families, the recorded number of passengers remains dynamic. KLM Nurul Salsa reportedly departed from Jampea Island Port bound for Benteng Port, Selayar, on Wednesday (15/7) at 05.00 WITA. The vessel was carrying dozens of passengers, a cargo of copra, livestock, and motorcycles. However, around 09.30 WITA, the vessel suffered a total engine failure. The situation worsened when the bilge pump sustained fatal damage at 10.00 WITA, causing seawater to rapidly fill the hull. The vessel was declared fully submerged at 16.00 WITA, approximately 43 nautical miles from Benteng Port. Upon receiving the report, the Navy Main Base VI immediately responded by dispatching KRI Marlin-877, which arrived at the location in the early hours of Thursday (16/7).
On the third day of operations, the search focus has been divided into several strategic sectors to maximise coverage. Head of the Makassar Class A Basarnas Office, Muhammad Arif Anwar, explained that the sector division is based on Search and Rescue Planning analysis to ensure all potential areas where victims might be located are thoroughly swept, both from the sea and the air. The rescue operation involves synergy from various elements, including the Indonesian Navy, Air Force, BPBD, harbour master, SROP Selayar, and local fishermen. Commander of the Navy Main Base VI, Rear Admiral TNI Andi Abdul Aziz, affirmed his ranks’ full commitment to saving the victims still adrift at sea, stressing that response speed and personnel readiness are key to saving lives at sea.
Based on initial statements from evacuated passengers, the KLM Nurul Salsa is suspected to have been involved in an accident due to bad weather factors exacerbated by a load exceeding standard capacity. The Public Relations Sub-section of the Selayar Police confirmed these indications, stating that survivors recounted the vessel being struck by waves and that the ship’s cargo appeared to be very densely packed. Joint SAR teams continue to conduct intensive sweeps utilising analysis of sea current and wind direction movements, while active coordination is maintained with all commercial and fishing vessels transiting the waters around Selayar.