KM Sirimau Evacuation In Ile Ape Lembata Sea Waits For High Tide, This Is The Final Condition Of 784 Passengers And Ship Crew

KM Sirimau which ran aground in the waters of Lembata/ANTARA

NTT - The Sirimau Motor Ship (KM) that ran aground in the sea waters of Ile Ape, Lembata Regency, NTT precisely in the waters of Palilolon Village, has yet to be evacuated from the aground location.

Head of Lewoleba Harbormaster, Abdul Syukur, said that evacuation is still difficult because they are still waiting for high tide.

"But it is also possible that the ship used to tow KM Sirimau is too small, so it is still difficult to make a withdrawal," he said when contacted from Kupang, Antara, Wednesday, May 18.

Therefore, he said, based on information from PT. Pelni, the tugboat will be replaced and imported from Maumere, namely the Take Boat. The ship, he said, if it arrives, is expected to be able to pull KM Sirimau from the aground location so that it can sail back to Maumere.

A total of 784 passengers and a number of crew members are reported to be in good health and the ship is also in safe condition.

Previously reported by KM. Sirimau owned by PT. PELNI (Persero) ran aground in the sea waters of Ile Ape, Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara when it was about to sail to Maumere Port, Sikka Regency, last Tuesday.

Public Relations Manager of PT. PELNI Idayu Adi Rahajeng in a statement received by ANTARA in Kupang, said that as an anticipatory measure for the management of the KM Sirimau crash, PT PELNI (Persero) will assist KM Gandha Nusantara 14 to assist the process of moving the KM off-road. Sirimau that ran aground in the waters.

"The process of releasing KM Sirimau, which ran aground, will be assisted by KM Gandha Nusantara 14," he said.

Based on the information obtained, the ship was carrying 784 passengers from Lembata Port to Maumere Port, Sikka Regency.

Ayu said that PT PELNI (Persero) as the operator of passenger ships mandated by the government through the Ministry of Transportation) is always committed to being able to provide the best service for the comfort and safety of passengers while sailing.

Currently PT PELNI (Persero) through the Management Response Team (MRT) is also coordinating with the local Branch Head and other related parties to monitor the condition of the ship so that it can immediately run aground and for further handling.