The KM Sirimau Ship Ran Aground In The Waters Of Ile Ape Sea, Lembata

KM Sirimau/Photo: Antara

KUPANG - The SAR team from the Maumere Class B Search and Rescue Office sent personnel to help evacuate passengers on the KM. Sirimau ship ran aground in the sea waters of Ile Ape, Lembata Regency, to be precise in the waters of Palilolon Village.

"We have arrived at the location and are coordinating for further handling," said Head of the Class B Search and Rescue Office Maumere, I Putu Sudayana, in a release received in Kupang, Wednesday, May 18 at noon.

He said that the team itself had arrived since 07.00 WITA local time and had seen firsthand the condition of KM Sirimau, which had run aground since Tuesday 17 May yesterday at 14.09 WITA.

Sudayana said that the ship accident against KM. Sirimau ran aground in the Flores Witihama Strait, estimated at 08° 15'21.10"S-123°21' 6.46"E with a radial 73.11° with a distance of 86.9 NM from Wuring Harbor, Maumere.

KM Sirimau himself said he on Tuesday, May 17 yesterday at 10:05 WITA departed from Tenau Kupang Port to Lewoleba Port, Lembata Regency.

After unloading passengers and goods, the ship sailed back to Maumere, but at 14.09 WITA the ship ran aground in these waters.

I Putu Sudayana continued, that currently, his party has coordinated with potential SAR agencies in Lembata and was informed that Pelni would continue to coordinate with KM Sirimau to update developments and be informed of the condition of the crew and passengers in good health.

"We are trying to get the seawater up, we will move the ship," he added.

Currently, KM Gandha Nusantara is owned by PT. Pelni also said he was ready for the evacuation process. But he said it was only a scenario if the passengers were evacuated.

However, according to the plan, he said, the Pelni ship will dock on the left side of the ship KM Sirimau and assistance from RIB 500 PK Kansar Maumere for the process of evacuating passengers and crew.

Furthermore, he said, regarding the SAR personnel involved, Sudayana said Kansar Maumere 4 people, from elements of the Lembata Navy Post, Lembata Polair Post, PT Pelni Lembata, and the Lewoleba KUPP.