Two Sanctions Imposed Following Sinking of Pinisi Yukai in Labuan Bajo
The Pinisi Yukai sank in the waters of Seture Island, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Sunday (27/09/2026). The vessel, which was transporting tourists, sank after striking a coral reef in the waters near Seture Island.
The sinking of the Pinisi Yukai has resulted in two sanctions imposed by the Class III Labuan Bajo Port Authority and Port Master Office (KSOP).
Captain’s Licence Suspended
KSOP Labuan Bajo has suspended the seafarer’s certificate of the captain, Armansyah (32), for two months. During this suspension period, the captain of the tourist vessel is prohibited from sailing.
“The sanction imposed on the captain is the suspension of his certificate,” said the Head of KSOP Class III Labuan Bajo, Stephanus Risdiyanto, on Tuesday (29/09/2026).
Stephanus stated that the sanction was issued after KSOP Labuan Bajo conducted an investigation into the captain and the vessel. Negligence was found on the part of the captain during vessel manoeuvring, which led to the collision with the reef.
“The investigation has been carried out, and negligence was found during the vessel’s manoeuvring,” said Stephanus.
Ship Safety Certificate Revoked
KSOP Labuan Bajo has also revoked the safety certificate of the Pinisi Yukai. A safety certificate is a mandatory document for any vessel to be granted a Sailing Approval Letter (SPB) by the KSOP.
The Pinisi Yukai is currently being floated at Kelapa Island, not far from the site of the accident. Stephanus emphasised that as long as the safety certificate is revoked, the Pinisi Yukai is not permitted to sail.
“Yes, it is not permitted to sail,” said Stephanus.
Stephanus did not yet comment on the possibility of the vessel regaining its safety certificate once repairs are completed.
The Sinking Incident
It was previously reported that the Pinisi Yukai, carrying 13 tourists and six crew members, struck a shallow reef, causing it to tilt and sink in the waters of Seture Island. All passengers and crew were successfully evacuated and are reported to be safe.
The Head of the Marine Police Unit of West Manggarai Police, Iptu Leonardo Marpaung, stated that the ship suffered severe leakage after hitting a coral cluster while sailing towards Bidadari Island for snorkelling.
“The unfortunate event occurred around 06:30 WITA while the vessel was sailing from the Kelapa Island mooring area towards Bidadari Island for snorkelling activities,” said Leonardo on Sunday (27/09/2026).
The accident occurred as the vessel passed near the waters of Tanjung Sture during low tide. The captain allegedly lacked sufficient understanding of the shipping lane and ignored navigation signs at the tip of the cape.
“This condition caused the bottom of the ship to strike shallow coral reefs with great force, triggering serious leakage in the hull area. Within minutes, the ship began to tilt extremely and slowly sank,” explained Leonardo.