Stranded Ship in Gilimanuk Evacuated, Vehicle Queues Begin to Ease

The Passenger Motor Ship (KMP) Samudra Utama, which ran aground at the LCM Pier of Gilimanuk Port, Jembrana Regency, Bali, was successfully evacuated on Monday (18/05/2026). The vessel had been stuck since Sunday (17/05/2026).

The ship managed to perform a reverse manoeuvring manoeuvre after the tide rose on Monday at approximately 09:00 WITA.

The Commander of the Gilimanuk Naval Post, Lieutenant Yuli Prasetyo, explained that various efforts had been made to free the vessel. However, because the ship was firmly lodged against the edge of the pier, the evacuation process had to wait for the high tide.

“This morning at 09:00 WITA, it was freed from the grounding and docked at the LCM Pier of Gilimanuk Port,” Yuli stated when confirmed on Monday.

Yuli explained that the grounding of KMP Samudra Utama in the Bali Strait had triggered a ripple effect on crossing activities between Ketapang and Gilimanuk. Long vehicle queues had even stretched for several kilometres.

“Last night, the tail of the queue reached the Naga or Gelungkori Statue, approximately 2.5 kilometres from Gilimanuk Port,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Yuli ensured that the traffic flow towards the port has now returned to normal as the pier is fully operational. “This morning, the situation has eased, and there are no longer queues in the port parking area,” Yuli added.

Currently, KMP Samudra Utama is awaiting its loading and unloading schedule. The ship is expected to return to its regular route to serve the Bali Strait crossing shortly.