Jump from KM Dharma Rucitra, Banjarmasin SAR Team Finds Sumardi Dead at Batakan Lama Beach

BANJARMASIN - A joint SAR team found a dead victim in a sea accident after jumping from the KM Dharma Rucitra I in the waters of Muara Sungai Barito, South Kalimantan.

The victim, named Sumardi (44), a resident of Tundung Village, Sukadana Village, Terara District, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, was found on Sunday at around 11.30 WITA.

Head of the Banjarmasin I Search and Rescue Office (Kakansar) Putu Sudayana said the victim was found dead around Batakan Lama Beach, at a distance of about 32 nautical miles (NM) from the initial incident location.

"Our victim was found on Sunday afternoon at 11.30 WITA in a dead condition, about 32 NM from the initial incident location," said Putu Sudayana in Banjarmasin, Antara, Sunday, December 28.

Previously, the victim was reported to have jumped into the sea from the KM Dharma Rucitra I on Friday, December 26 at around 00.25 WITA.

After being found, the victim was evacuated using the KN SAR Laksmana 241 to Trisakti Port Banjarmasin and is estimated to arrive at around 19.00 WITA.

Furthermore, the body was handed over to the ship agent and Ulin Banjarmasin Hospital for further examination.

The search operation involved elements of the Banjarmasin SAR Office, Banjarmasin Naval, Ditpolair, KSOP Banjarmasin, and the ship agent company. A number of main tools (alut) were deployed, including KN SAR Laksmana 241, RIB Banjarmasin, communication equipment, water rescue equipment, and other supporting equipment.

During the operation, the joint SAR team faced the obstacle of strong winds, although the weather conditions were reported to be cloudy.

"After the victim was found, the joint SAR team carried out a debriefing and proposed the closure of the SAR operation. All elements were returned to their respective units," said Putu Sudayana.

With the discovery of the victim, the SAR MOB KM Dharma Rucitra I SAR Operation was officially closed. The Head of the Banjarmasin SAR Office expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all SAR elements and the community who had helped the search process.

He also appealed to all users of marine transportation services to always prioritize safety during navigation.