Two Traditional Ships Sink in East Flores Sea

Two traditional wooden cargo vessels sank in the waters off East Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province (NTT), on Monday, 9 March 2026. The two vessels were the Motor Ships (KM) Tanjung Harapan (Klara Jaya) and KM Purin Lewo.

According to Desmon Saterdi Menno, Head of the Class II Port Operations Unit (UPP) in Larantuka, the vessels had set sail in search of shelter from extreme weather conditions. “The ship sailed from Larantuka Port toward Tobilota Port to seek protection from severe weather. As it approached Tobilota, the ship took on water, the engine failed, and it capsized,” he explained.

KM Tanjung Harapan, a 40-gross-tonnage vessel, had been initially waiting for passengers at Larantuka Port. It departed at 09.00 local time heading toward Tobilota Port to escape heavy rain and strong winds. The ship was carrying one captain, two crew members, and two engines. It suddenly capsized near Tobilota and was evacuated by water police and crew from other vessels. “Two crew members survived and the engines were recovered. The ship is still missing, having drifted out to sea,” Menno stated.

Meanwhile, KM Purin Lewo sailed from Solor Island Jetty to Larantuka Port carrying 20 passengers. The vessel experienced engine failure and was evacuated to Larantuka TPI Port. However, as it was anchored at the port, it capsized and sank. “There were no fatalities,” Menno confirmed.

Menno revealed that both sunken motor ships lacked valid sailing permits (Surat Persetujuan Berlayar). He stated that the port authority had continuously promoted the use of proper permits. However, vessel operators continued to sail despite having expired certifications.

Larantuka Port currently operates under an open-and-closed system for vessel traffic. Sailing operations can proceed when weather conditions improve, but are suspended when conditions deteriorate. At the time of the incident, strong winds and heavy rain were occurring at Larantuka Port, and port officials directed vessels to exercise caution when approaching the dock.