Severe Weather Sinks KM Ratna Ningsih, Three Crew Members Missing

The motor vessel (KM) Ratna Ningsih has suffered a maritime accident in the waters off Balongan, Indramayu Regency, West Java. Severe weather is suspected to be the cause. The 6 Gross Ton (GT) vessel reportedly sank due to high waves and possibly excess cargo. The incident began when KM Ratna Ningsih departed from a fishing base in Majakerta Village on Thursday (23/7) at around 03:30 WIB, heading for the open sea. In addition to three crew members, the boat was carrying 11 drums of oil intended for supply to a tanker at the Single Point Mooring (SPM) 35 Balongan. During the journey, at around 05:00 WIB, the vessel was unable to withstand the pounding of high waves. Large waves struck the hull, causing the boat to capsize and then sink. The captain, Warnita, 62, a resident of Majakerta Village, Balongan District, managed to survive. He was evacuated by a member of the Indonesian Navy named Aldi, who was on duty at the Island Berth ITB Balongan. Warnita was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, which prevented him from drowning. However, three crew members are still missing. They have been identified as Sarto, 25, Ayo, 28, and Adnan, 28, all residents of Majakerta Village, Balongan District. A joint search and rescue operation involving the Indramayu Police’s Water and Air Unit (Satpolairud), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and the Indonesian Navy is ongoing. The search has been made difficult by high waves and strong winds, which forced an early end to operations on the first day.