Search for Sunken KLM Nurul Salsa Enters Fourth Day, Basarnas Expands Area

The search operation for victims of the sunken Motor Sailing Vessel (KLM) Nurul Salsa in the waters of South Sulawesi is now being conducted on a more massive scale. Entering its fourth day on Saturday (18 July), the joint team under the command of Basarnas Makassar took the strategic decision to expand the search area to 448 square nautical miles, or more than 800,000 square kilometres.

The expansion was taken following the latest evaluation of sea current and wind conditions, which are considered potentially capable of carrying victims away from the vessel’s original sinking location. The search effort involves multidimensional forces, ranging from Basarnas, the Indonesian Navy, the Indonesian Air Force, BPBD, the Marine Police, to fishermen from the Sabalana Islands.

The joint team was divided into two search sectors (SRU) to maximise sweeping operations.

The Head of Basarnas Makassar, Muhammad Arif Anwar, explained that the expansion of the operational area was based on an analysis of natural dynamics. “The evaluation results show significant current movement, so we must reach a wider area. The recent discovery of a life jacket is also an indication that victims and evidence may have been carried by currents to other points,” said Arif.

To strengthen the operation, KN Pacitan from Kendari has also been deployed to reinforce the search teams in the field. Arif emphasised his commitment to continue optimising the SAR operation.

To date, 25 people remain listed as missing. Arif invited all elements of society to pray for the smooth running of the search process, hoping the weather will be favourable and bring good news soon to the victims’ families.

To the families waiting, Basarnas pledged to deploy all its best capabilities in this challenging operation amid the large waves of the Makassar Strait.