TNI evacuates body of passenger who fell from KMP Dharma Ferry VII in APBS

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) evacuated one body of a passenger from the ferry KMP Dharma Ferry VII, who had previously fallen into the sea and sank in the western Surabaya maritime lane (APBS) on Wednesday (4/3).

Kadispenal Laksamana Pertama TNI Tunggul, Head of the TNI-AL Information Service, said, when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday, that the evacuation was carried out by Batuporon Sea Task Force (Lanal Batuporon) along with Poskamladu Lumpur Gresik, Lanal Batuporon, Satpolairud Polres Gresik, Ditpolairud Polda Jatim, the KN SAR Permadi crew (Basarnas), and KSOP Kelas II Gresik.

Tunggul explained that the sinking incident began when the KMP Dharma Ferry, coming from Balikpapan, was due to arrive at Tanjung Perak Port Surabaya on Tuesday night (3/3).

“Upon approaching Tanjung Perak port, reports were received of a passenger who fell into the sea in the APBS lane. The joint team immediately coordinated quickly with the relevant agencies to mount a search operation,” Tunggul said.

Tunggul described that the search continued until the victim was finally found at 12.45 WIB.

“The body was found after the team swept the area from the waters of Maspion Port to Gresik Port,” said Tunggul.

The body was then taken to RSUD Ibnu Sinah for further autopsy. Tunggul emphasised that this success demonstrates the readiness of the TNI-AL and all ranks in safeguarding Indonesia’s territorial sea.

“The success in locating the victim is a tangible result of the synergy between the TNI-Polri, government agencies, and the public’s concern for maritime safety,” closed Tunggul.