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

The search operation for victims of the sinking of the Motor Sailing Vessel (KLM) Nurul Salsa in South Sulawesi waters is now being conducted more massively. Entering its fourth day on Saturday (18/7), the joint team under the command of Basarnas Makassar made a strategic decision to expand the search area to 448 square nautical miles (nm), or more than 800,000 square kilometres. This expansion was taken following the latest evaluation of sea current and wind conditions, which are considered likely to have carried victims away from the vessel’s initial sinking location. The search effort involves a multidimensional force, including Basarnas, the Indonesian Navy, the Indonesian Air Force, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Marine Police, and fishermen from the Sabalana Islands. The joint team has been divided into two Search and Rescue Units (SRU) to maximise the sweeping operation. Head of Basarnas Makassar, Muhammad Arif Anwar, explained that the expansion of the operation area was based on an analysis of natural dynamics. ‘The evaluation results indicate significant current movement, so we must reach a wider area. The discovery of a life jacket some time ago is also an indication that victims and debris may have been carried to another point,’ said Arif. To strengthen the operation, the KN Pacitan from Kendari has also been deployed to reinforce the search line in the field. Arif reaffirmed his commitment to continue optimising this SAR operation. To date, 25 people are still reported missing. Arif invited all elements of society to pray for the smooth running of the search process so that the weather supports the effort and soon brings good news to the victims’ families.