Extreme Weather, Ambon Galala Ferry Departure Waits For BMKG's 'Code'

Galala ferry port in Sofifi, North Maluku (Malut). (Antaranews)

AMBON - The Galala Ambon ferry delayed its departure due to extreme weather on Monday 27 June. The delay was also based on an early warning from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) for the Ambon Maritime Station.

"Yes, today I did not go because there was a direct warning from the BMKG," said the General Manager (GM) of PT. Ambon River, Lake and Crossing Transportation (ASDP), Anton Murdianto, quoted from Antara, Monday 27 June.

He said the departure of the ship to Namlea, Buru, Maluku, was waiting for further information from the BMKG regarding weather developments in Ambon City.

"We are still waiting for information from the BMKG as it has been submitted," he said.

Anton apologized to passengers affected by the delay in departure. Until now, he said, there have been no complaints from passengers regarding this policy.

"Until now, God willing, there are none," said Anton.

However, continued Anton, passenger safety remains number 1, given the unfavorable weather. What's more, the sea route is very prone to waves.

"Safety is number one, given the unfavorable weather, it is better for us to postpone our departure for mutual safety," he said.

The departure delay was based on a warning from the Ambon Maritime Station BMKG regarding the weather forecast for today's shipping area.

The early warning is related to the high wave that will take effect from today, June 27, starting at 09.00 WIT until June 28 tomorrow. The departure of the ship to Namlea from the port of Galala will be further informed while waiting for the state of the sea waves.

The wave height is thought to be 1.25 meters to 2.50 meters (medium), possibly in the West Seram Sea (SBB), the waters of the Kei Islands, and the waters of the Aru Islands.

Then, wave heights of 2.50 meters to 4 meters (height) are likely to occur in Buru waters, Ambon Lease waters, southern waters of Seram Island, Banda Sea, Sermata-Leti Islands waters, Babar Islands waters, Tanimbar Islands waters, and Arafuru Sea.