KM Sirimau Withdrawn From Run Aground In Lewoleba Waters

KM Sirimau which ran aground in Lewoleba waters. ANTARA/Ho-Pelni

KUPANG - KM Sirimau, a passenger ship operated by PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia or PT PELNI (Persero) which ran aground on Ipet Island, Lewoleba waters, has run aground or has been pulled from the aground location.

Head of the Corporate Secretariat of PT PELNI (Persero) Opik Taupik expressed his gratitude for the coordination and assistance provided to PT PELNI (Persero) in the effort to escape KM Sirimau.

"Thank God KM Sirimau has run aground. We thank all those who have helped KM Sirimau in the effort to escape," said Opik as quoted by Antara, Thursday, May 19.

Currently KM Sirimau is heading to Lewoleba Port for a detailed inspection by the Marine Inspector KM Inspection. This Sirimau is to maintain the seaworthiness of the ship so that it can operate again safely, comfortably, and deliver passengers to their destination safely.

"KM Sirimau is currently heading to Lewoleba Port on Thursday (19/5) and is expected to dock at Lewoleba Harbor at 12.30 WITA for inspection. After the inspection is complete and the ship is declared seaworthy, KM Sirimau is ready to operate again on the Lewoleba-Maumere-route Baubau-Wanci-Namrole-Ambon-Sorong-Manokwari-Sorong-Ambin-Wanci-Baubau-Maumere-Lewoleba-Kupang," said Opik.

All passengers on board the ship, totaling 784 people along with the ship's crew, are ensured to be safe and secure. This is a manifestation of PT PELNI (Persero) which is committed to realizing the best service to all stakeholders, including service users.

Meanwhile, the Head of Lewoleba Harbormaster, Lembata Regency, Abdul Syukur Muklis, was contacted from Kupang, saying that KM Sirimau is currently at Lewoleba port.

"The ship is at the dock at this time. The 784 passengers on the ship have been transferred to another ship," he said.