Seven Crew Members of KM Ganda Nusantara 17 Evacuated as 4-Metre Waves Strike Vessel
PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (PT Pelni), a state-owned shipping company, confirmed that one of its feeder vessels experienced an incident in North Maluku waters on 15 March at approximately 09:00 local time, caused by high waves and strong winds. Seven crew members of KM Ganda Nusantara 17 were successfully evacuated with the assistance of KM Sabuk Nusantara 115, which was transiting the area.
The incident occurred whilst KM Ganda Nusantara 17 was sailing from Bitung to Tidore. Approximately 30 nautical miles from Ternate, the vessel encountered severe weather with sea waves reaching three to four metres in height, compounded by strong winds.
Lutfi Israr, Head of Pelni’s Ternate Branch, stated that there were seven crew members on board at the time of the incident, with no passengers or cargo. Pelni’s Management Response Team quickly coordinated intensively with Basarnas (the Indonesian maritime search and rescue agency) and KM Sabuk Nusantara 115, which was nearby. The crew of KM Sabuk Nusantara 115 made several attempts to approach KM Ganda Nusantara 17, as the high sea waves significantly hampered the evacuation process. Their efforts ultimately proved successful and all crew members were rescued.
“There were no fatalities in this incident and all seven crew members of KM Ganda Nusantara 17 are in good condition. KM Sabuk Nusantara 115 has since returned to Ternate,” Lutfi reported.
Pelni management commended the captain and crew of KM Sabuk Nusantara 115 for their prompt assistance and successful evacuation efforts. Lutfi also expressed gratitude to the Basarnas Ternate team for their rapid coordination and support.
KM Ganda Nusantara is a rede vessel functioning as a feeder ship, used to transport passengers from Pelni vessels anchored at ports to the dock. Pelni currently operates 18 rede vessels across remote, isolated, outermost and border regions (3TP). KM Ganda Nusantara 17 operates in the Tidore area, providing free ferry services to the community.