The Hazardous EPIRB Signal From The Panamanian-flagged NS Nevala Ship Caused A SAR Team In Muntok Waters

The SAR team checked the signal in Muntok Waters/ Photo: Doc. SAR Team

The emergence of an Emergency Position RadioONG (EPIRB) signal from a Panamanian-flagged NS Nevala ship in the waters of the Muntok Sea, West Bangka, had caused a stir for the Pangkalpinang SAR Team.

Head of the Pangkalpinang Search and Rescue Office, I Made Oka Astawa, confirmed the dangerous signal.

His party also deployed 1 Rescue Team Kansar Pangkalpinang using the RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) USS Siaga Mentok to coordinate point 01 38.5'S, 105 01.5'E, which is suspected to be the point of EPIRB's whereabouts.

"The EPIRB signal belongs to the Panamanian-flagged NS Nevala ship. However, the ship's EPIRB equipment allegedly fell and continued to fly in the Bangka Belitung archipelago," said I Made Oka when confirmed, Friday, December 8.

After being traced, it was discovered that the ship's position was now in Philippine waters. The EPIRB signal is on a fishing boat, after falling into the sea.

"If the Marabahaya signal is not confirmed immediately, it will certainly stir up international SAR," he said.

The search for the EPIRB signal was carried out after officers traveled 2 hours from Tanjung Kalian Pier. Signal check using the Direction Finder (DF).

After being confirmed, the fishing boat from Sungsang admitted that they had found the device floating floating since 2 days ago.

"They took it to be used as a signator for the ship at night. On the discovery of the EPIRB, the Kansar Pangkalpinang rescue team immediately returned to the port pier at the base of the sea, and the SAR operation was officially closed without any casualties," he said.