High Waves Make Ships In Maluku Delay Shipping

The Pangrango ship was docked at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon. (ANTARA/DedyAzis)

PT Pelni Ambon Branch said a number of ships operating in Maluku waters had to postpone shipping due to a high wave warning issued by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

"There are ships of the Nusantara Belt 71 and 106 that have postponed shipping, as well as Pangrango, which was detained yesterday in Saumlaki," said Head of Operations (Kaops) of PT Pelni Ambon Branch, Muhammad Assegaf, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, May 25.

The Belt Nusantara 71 ships sailed the waters of Serua, Nila, Teon, Kisar, Leti, Tepa, then Marsela and Saumlaki.

Meanwhile, the Pangrango ship sailed the waters of Saumlaki, Banda, Ambon, to Namrole.

The Belt Nusantara 71 ship must postpone the previously determined voyage until an undetermined time.

Meanwhile, the Pangrango ship was said to have been stuck in Saumlaki waters due to high waves that occurred.

Likewise, the Nusantara 106 Belt Ship is currently being postponed and is on Banda Naira Island.

"Until now it has not been confirmed how long the shipping delay will be, depending on the weather conditions," he said.

Prospective passengers who wish to use the ship are expected not to sail first until further announcement is issued.

Assegaf said it was done for the safety of passengers while sailing on a predetermined route.

"We prioritize shipping safety in service to the community," he said.

Meanwhile, the BMKG conveyed an early warning regarding the possibility of waves as high as 2.5 to four meters in the Maluku waters from May 25 to 26, 2023.

Head of Ambon Ashar Maritime Meteorological Station in Ambon, Thursday, said that waves as high as 2.5 meters to four meters during that period were likely to approach 11 water areas in Maluku, including the East Seram Sea and the waters of Buru and Ambon-Lease.

The southern waters of Seram, Banda Sea, Sermata-Leti waters, the waters of the Babar Islands, Tanimbar waters, the waters of the Kai Islands, the waters of the Aru Islands, and the Arafuru Sea also have the opportunity to experience waves as high as 2.5 to four meters.

Meanwhile, moderate waves, between 1.25 meters to 2.50 meters, are likely to occur in the West Seram Sea. High waves are at risk of shipping safety.

"We ask people who live and work on the coast around areas where high waves are likely to occur to remain vigilant," said Ashar.