Bakamla Deploys KN Seahorses To Search For Victims Of Ship Sinking In Sanipah Waters, South Kalimantan

JAKARTA - The Marine Security Agency (Bakamla) of the Central Maritime Zone has deployed KN Sea Horse 403 to join the joint SAR team looking for victims of the LCT Anugrah Indasah ship that sank due to bad weather around Sanipah Waters, South Kalimantan.

"Currently, the personnel of KN Kuda Laut 403 are focused on finding victims who are trapped on the ship and haven't had time to save themselves," said Commander of KN Laut Kuda 403 Major Bakamla Nendra Jati Prawira in a written statement quoted by Antara, Wednesday, June 29.

This is done by combing around the capsized ship and hitting the hull with a hammer to give a signal. If there are victims who are still trapped in the ship, then a dive is carried out by personnel.

Based on the data collected, he said, there were 11 crew members, five of whom survived, one person died and five others are still in the process of searching for a joint team.

The LCT type ship carrying 22 units of heavy equipment had an accident on Thursday (23/6).

Regarding the progress of the search for victims, Nendra explained that the joint SAR team was constrained by bad weather for the last few days, especially in the Sanipah Waters.

"The SAR team has difficulty evacuating and searching for victims," he said.

The joint operation involved a number of elements including the Banjarmasin KPP Rescue team, Water and Air Police (Polairud) South Kalimantan Regional Police, Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Tanah Laut Regency, Tanah Laut Polairud, TNI AL Pos Batakan, BPBD Tanah Laut Regency, and Office of Harbor Master and Port Authority (KSOP) Banjarmasin.