BMKG Warns Of High Waves In Maluku Waters That Are Dangerous For Shipping, Can Be As High As 4 Meters

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - BMKG released an early warning of high waves that could potentially occur in parts of Maluku waters on July 14-15, 2022.

"The potential for high waves in almost all areas of Maluku can pose a risk to shipping safety," said Head of the Ambon Maritime Meteorology Station, Ashar, as quoted by Antara, Thursday, July 14.

The wind pattern in the northern part of Indonesia is dominantly moving from Southeast - Southwest with wind speeds ranging from 5 - 20 knots, while in the southern part of Indonesia the dominant movement is from East - Southeast with wind speeds ranging from 5 - 25 knots.

The highest wind speeds were observed in the waters of Fakfak - Kaimana, Banda Sea, the waters of the Sermata Islands - the Tanimbar Islands, the waters of the Kei Islands - Aru, and the Arafuru Sea.

This condition causes an opportunity for an increase in high waves of 2.5 to 4 meters to occur in the Eastern Seram Sea, Banda Sea, Sermata - Leti Islands Waters, Buru Island Waters, Babar Islands, Ambon Island, Tanimbar Lease Archipelago Waters, Kai Islands, Southern Waters Seram Island, Aru Islands and Arafuru Sea.

Waves as high as 1.25 -2.50 meters (medium) are also likely to occur in the West Seram Sea.

BMKG appealed to the public to pay attention to the high risk of shipping safety. High risk for fishing boats, if the wind speed is more than 15 knots and the wave height is above 1.25 meters, while the barge is 16 knots with a wave height of 1.5 meters.

While the high risk for ferries with wind speeds of more than 21 knots and wave heights above 2.5 meters, and large ships, such as cargo ships or cruise ships, the risk is high if facing wind speeds above 27 knots and wave heights above 4 meters.

He appealed to operators of passenger ships, cargo ships, and fishing boats to be aware of the threat of high waves.

"People who live and work in coastal areas that are prone to high waves must always be vigilant," he said.