Bad Weather Hit Maluku, Pelni Ambon Delays Ship Departure For 3 Days

Pangrango ship while docking at Yos Sudarso Ambon Port (Between/DedyAzis)

MALUKU - PT Pelni has postponed the departure of a number of ships due to bad weather in Ambon City in the last few days.

The bad weather was in accordance with BMKG's prediction that heavy rain followed by lightning occurred in a number of regencies and cities, namely South Buru, Central Maluku, Ambon City and West Seram.

"There are several ships that have postponed departures, namely the Pangrango Ship, Nusantara Belt 72, Nusantara Belt 103, Nusantara Belt 106. Delays due to bad weather," said Head of Operations (Kaops) PT Pelni Ambon Branch Mohammad Assegaf in Ambon, Maluku, Wednesday 31 May, confiscated by Antara.

Assegaf explained that the Pangrango ship, which was supposed to depart from Banda Port to Saumlaki and Ambon on May 31, 2023, had to be delayed until June 2, 2023.

The Belt Nusantara 72 ship from Ambon itself was previously scheduled to sail Ambon, Molu, Larat, Tutukembong, Saumlaki waters and so on this Wednesday.

Likewise with the Sabuk Nusantara 103 ship which is scheduled to sail Ambon, Tual, Molu, Larat, Elat waters and so on.

Meanwhile, the Sabuk Nusantara 106 ship is scheduled to sail Ambon waters, Banda, Slide, Gorom, Kur Island and so on.

Assegaf said that the pioneer ship, namely the Nusantara Belt, has yet to be confirmed when it will return to operation.

"Until now it has not been confirmed how long the shipping delay will be, depending on the captain, also seeing the weather conditions," he said.

He said the Nusantara Belt ship was smaller than the others and would be dangerous if it was forced to go to sea in high wave conditions like today.

For this reason, prospective passengers who want to use the ship are expected not to sail first until the next announcement is issued.

Assegaf said it was done for the safety of passengers while sailing to the predetermined route.

"We prioritize shipping safety in service to the community," he said.