Had Tilt 60 Degrees Hit By Strong Winds, Barges Loading Hundreds Of Containers Successfully Evacuated

A barge loaded with hundreds of containers bound for Singapore nearly sank in the waters of Karimun Regency (Via ANTARA)

TANJUNGPINANG - Head of the Tanjungpinang National SAR Agency Office, Slamet Riyadi, stated that the barge loaded with containers that almost sank in the waters of Karimun Regency, Riau Archipelago Province had been moved.

The barge has been moved by the company where the ship is sheltered and is currently anchoring in the waters of Karimun Anak.

"There were no casualties in this incident. Eight crew members are safe," said Slamet in Tanjungpinang, as reported by Antara, Thursday, May 26.

The barge carrying hundreds of containers pulled by the Mega Daya 43 tugboat departed from Pekanbaru, Riau Province, headed for Singapore. While crossing Karimun waters at around 01.00 WIB, the barge was hit by a strong wind so that the ship's position was tilted 60 degrees.

"As a result, 12 containers fell into the sea at coordinates 1'.10'.4 north latitude-103'.26'.5 east longitude," he said.

Information about the incident, he said, was received by the Tanjungpinang National SAR Agency Office from the Tanjung Balai Karimun SAR Post Coordinator. After that, they deployed five personnel from the Tanjung Balai Karimun SAR Post using an engined rubber boat to the location of the barge accident.

"We also communicate and coordinate to MPA Singapore," he said.

The process of coordinating and monitoring the evacuation of these barges also involved joint SAR elements including the Tanjungpinang National SAR Agency Office, Karimun SAR Post, Navy, Polairud, Sea and Coast Guard Commission, Harbormaster Office and Port Authority, and local fishermen.