Search for Four Missing KMP Putri Yasmin Victims Extended to Bali Waters

Entering the fifth day of the search on Sunday (16/8), the joint SAR team expanded its operational area to find four passengers still missing following the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry fire in the waters of the Lombok Strait. The search focus now covers maritime sectors extending to Bali waters and land-based sweeps along the coast of Lombok.

Head of the Mataram SAR Office and SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC), Muhamad Hariyadi, stated that the main maritime assets (alut) have been deployed comprehensively by dividing the search area into three strategic sectors.

“On this fifth day of the search, we are refocusing by dividing the waters into three sectors using RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) assets, as well as strengthening land-based sweeps,” said Hariyadi in his statement.

In this operation, the Mataram SAR Office is working in synergy with the Denpasar SAR Office to reach a wider area. In addition to the maritime fleet, the joint team is also optimising land-based search efforts. Officers are conducting sweeps along the coastline and intensively disseminating information to fishing communities, including as far as Belongas, Sekotong, West Lombok Regency.

This large-scale SAR operation involves various elements, including the Indonesian Navy (Lanal Mataram), the NTB Regional Police Water Police Directorate (Ditpolair), the Lembar Port Authority (KSOP), and aerial support from Finns SGi Air Bali helicopters. Several commercial vessels such as KMP Portlink II and KMP Parama Kalyani, as well as yachts, are also monitoring movements around the location.

The list of deployed assets includes KN SAR 220 Mataram, KN SAR Arjuna, RBB Mataram, KAL Belongas, KAL Lembar, as well as several ambulances from the NTB Provincial Hospital on standby at evacuation points.

As of the time of reporting, all joint SAR elements consisting of government agencies, shipping organisations (Gapasdap), and medical teams from DVI Biddokkes NTB Police continue to work at maximum capacity in the field to locate the remaining victims who have not yet been found.