Search for KM Nurul Salsa: Two Indonesian Navy Warships Deployed to Reinforce Sweep

The search for KM Nurul Salsa in the waters west of Polassi Island, Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, has entered its fifth day. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has not only expanded the operation area to 1,305 square nautical miles but has also reinforced the fleet with two Indonesian Navy warships, KRI Marlin 877 and KRI Hiu 634. Amid waves reaching 2 to 3 metres that continue to batter the Selayar waters, the search effort for the 20 people still missing is being intensified with a division into four strategic sectors. Based on Search and Rescue Marine Prediction (SARMAP) calculations, the search area has been split into four sectors, each covering 337.5 square nautical miles. Each sector is manned by a key asset, namely KN SAR Puntadewa 250, KN SAR Pacitan 102, KRI Marlin 877, and KRI Hiu 634. The sweep pattern is designed in a criss-cross formation to close gaps, given that the dynamic currents and winds in Selayar pose the greatest challenge. Head of Operations and Alert Section at the Makassar Basarnas Office, Andi Sultan, stressed that the addition of maritime assets is not merely a numerical increase but a strategy to mitigate time risks. ‘We continue to boost effectiveness with four sectors manned by robust vessels. KRI Marlin, which had previously joined on the second day, has now returned, and KRI Hiu from Palu is reinforcing the effort. This is a form of commitment that we will not stop until all points have been monitored,’ he said on Sunday. Meanwhile, KN SAR Kamajaya is currently heading to Benteng Port, Selayar, carrying five survivors who were found on Saturday. The five victims will soon be handed over to the local hospital for intensive care before the vessel turns back to rejoin the search operation. To date, out of a total of 78 people who were on board the ill-fated vessel, 57 have been found alive, one has been found dead, and 20 others remain on the missing list. The search involves hundreds of personnel from various agencies, including Basarnas Makassar, Selayar SAR Post, Basarnas Kendari, Basarnas Maumere, the Indonesian Navy, the Indonesian Air Force, Polair, BPBD, the Harbour Master, Selayar SROP, SAR ship crews, and local fishermen who have voluntarily deployed their boats. The SAR operation is confirmed to continue indefinitely, with daily evaluations to determine the next steps. Basarnas Kendari has dispatched 28 personnel and KN SAR Pacitan to assist in the search for the 25 missing victims of the sunken KM Nurul Salsa in the Selayar waters. Five passengers from the sunken Motor Vessel (KM) Nurul Salsa were found alive near Mattalang Island, Selayar Regency, South Sulawesi.