Bring Sugar And Glutinous Rice, People's Ship In Riau Islands Which Almost Drowned Was Saved By The Indonesian Navy

JAKARTA - KM. Bagas Arsakhan experienced an accident in the waters of Pandan Island, Karimun, Riau Islands on Friday, March 11. The people's ship carrying basic necessities experienced a leak in the middle of the sea, fortunately all the crew were rescued by the Indonesian Navy.

The Commander of the Tanjung Balai Karimun Naval Base (Danlanal) Marine Lt. Col. (P) Joko Santosa, said all passengers were found safe after being evacuated by KRI Kujang and Lanal Tanjung Balai Karimun soldiers in the waters of Pandan Island, Karimun.

"The Navy sent three Sea Riders, one from KRI Kujang-642, two Sea Riders from Lanal Tanjung Balai Karimun, managed to save 4 crew members including the KM captain. Bagas Arsakhan is safe," said Danlanal in a release received by VOI, Saturday, March 12 .

"The 27 GT tonne ship, led by Herizal, carried 300 bags of granulated sugar, 300 bags of glutinous rice and 1900 canned cease drinks that sailed from Tanjung Pinang to Selat Panjang on Friday morning," said Danlanal.

"During the voyage, the ship experienced a leak which caused water to enter the engine room and the left body of the ship opened so that the water entered was getting heavier and could not be controlled even though it had been drained using a pump, until finally the captain decided to run aground the ship on Pulau Pandan Beach" he continued

"All four crew members, including the captain, could be evacuated safely with the condition of the ship being half sunk, and part of the cargo having been scattered into the sea," he concluded.

Separately, the Commander of the Fleet Command I (Pangkoarmada I) Rear Admiral TNI Arsyad Abdullah appreciated the agility of his soldiers who were always present and provided benefits to the community, especially the sea user community.

"We are also concerned about the disaster that befell KM. Bagas Arsakhan is on Pandan Island Karimum, Riau Archipelago, but we are also grateful that all crew members were evacuated safely." said Pangkoarmada I.

The Commander of the Armed Forces I emphasized that the readiness of the Soldiers of the Armed Forces I and his staff is not only in the context of enforcing sovereignty and law at sea, but also to ensure the safety and security of sea users, including SAR activities like this.

"This rescue effort is an implementation of the order from the leadership of the Navy, Chief of the Navy, Admiral Yudo Margono, who always emphasizes the ranks of the Navy to utilize and involve all the potential of both personnel and defense equipment for humanitarian activities such as disaster management and search and rescue. ," concluded the Commander of the Armed Forces I

For the shipwrecked KM Bagas, then security was carried out at the location by Lanal Tanjung Balai Karimun to prevent it from disturbing and endangering shipping around these waters.