Three Victims of KM Nurul Salsa Sinking Identified, Search Extended

The identities of three female victims from the KM Nurul Salsa maritime tragedy have been officially confirmed. The DVI team of the South Sulawesi Police identified the two latest victims as Hasriati, 40, and Bau Intang, 50, whose bodies were recovered on the seventh day of the search operation. They follow the earlier identification of Salmawati, 34.

Andi Sultan, Head of Operations and Alert for the Makassar Search and Rescue Office, stated on Tuesday that the identification process is a crucial humanitarian responsibility to ensure the victims’ rights are respected before they are returned to their families.

The search and rescue operation has now been extended for an additional three days, entering its ninth day. Efforts are being concentrated around the waters of Sabalana Island, where analysis of sea currents and wind patterns suggests the remaining victims may have drifted. Authorities have deployed all available assets, including patrol boats and aircraft, and are calling on local fishermen and coastal communities to remain vigilant and report any findings to the nearest joint SAR post. Fifteen people remain missing, and one unidentified male body is still awaiting forensic examination.