Two Survivors of KM Nurul Salsa Sinking Drifted for Four Days on Buoy with Three Deceased Victims

Asmal (24) and Nurmiati (46) survived after drifting at sea for four days following the sinking of the motorised sailing vessel (KLM) Nurul Salsa in the waters off Selayar Regency, South Sulawesi. The pair were found stranded in Pangkep Regency after clinging to a buoy alongside three deceased fellow victims.

‘When found, both were on a buoy wearing life jackets and were subsequently evacuated to Matala’ang Island, Sabalana Village, Liukang Tangaya District, Pangkep Regency,’ said Selayar Islands Police Chief AKBP Didid Imawan in a statement on Sunday (19/7/2026).

Asmal and Nurmiati are residents of Tangnga Hamlet, Tanamalala Village, Pasimasunggu District, Selayar Islands. Before being found, they were with three other companions who also became victims of the sinking.

‘Based on the initial statements from the two victims, there were originally five people holding onto the buoy. However, during the days they were adrift at sea, three of them died,’ he said.

‘The two victims admitted they were forced to release the bodies of their three companions into the sea after about two nights because the bodies had decomposed. The identities of the three victims are still unconfirmed,’ he added.

Didid stated that his team is still investigating the three reported victims once the condition of the two survivors allows for further questioning. Information from the two survivors is a crucial lead to maximise the search efforts.