TNI-AL aids in rescue of sightseeing vessel with damaged propeller in Raja Ampat

However, after travelling about one nautical mile, the vessel suffered damage when the propeller detached, preventing further navigation. Sorong (ANTARA) - The TNI-AL tug TD Umsini, under the control of Navy Regional Command XIV Sorong (Kodaeral XIV Sorong), carried out a search and rescue (SAR) operation for the sightseeing vessel KLM Sanya Pacific High, which sustained propeller damage in the Raja Ampat waters, Southwest Papua. Commander of the TD Umsini, Kodaeral XIV, Peltu Nav Aris Malulun, in Sorong, on Thursday, explained that all crew members were safe after receiving assistance from the TD Umsini. “All crew members of the KLM Sanya Pacific High, nine people in total, are safe and there were no fatalities in the incident,” he said. He added that the primary priority was the safety of personnel and ensuring the vessel could be moved to a location safer for further technical inspection. The incident began when the KLM Sanya Pacific High departed from Pulau Penemu to Pulau Pam on Monday (2/3). “However after travelling about one nautical mile, the vessel sustained damage due to the detachment of the propeller, so the voyage could not continue,” he stated. Information about the emergency condition was received by the Kodaeral XIV Operations Staff on Tuesday (3/3) from Captain Irwandi, the master of the KLM Sanya Pacific High, who requested evacuation assistance. The report was then immediately relayed to the Commander of Kodaeral XIV, Vice Admiral TNI Djatmoko. TD Umsini arrived on the scene on Wednesday (4/3) at around 00:04 WIT. The team then carried out a thorough check of the vessel’s condition and the crew’s health. After considering safety factors, including weather and sea conditions, the towing operation was carried out on Thursday (5/3) at 07:11 WIT with strict procedures and great care to avoid further damage to the hull or to corals in the conservation area. “Subsequently, the KLM Sanya Pacific High was towed to the harbour basin in the Sorong Public Port area to drop anchor and undergo further technical examination by the relevant teams and maritime authorities,” he said.