Syahbandar Larang Ship Sailing In Labuan Bajo Impact Of Mount Lewotobi Eruption Rarely Viewed

The atmosphere of Labuan Bajo waters, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province. (ANTARA/HO-Gecio Viana)

NTT - The Kesyahbandaran Office issued a ban on sailing for ships in the Labuan Bajo area considering the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki in East Flores has limited the visibility of the waters.

"There is a limited visibility in the Labuan Bajo waters, so Labuan Bajo harbormaster issued a notice to Marines to prevent further accidents," said Head of the Harbormaster Office and Class III Port Authority Stephanus Risdiyanto in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Thursday, January 4, confiscated by Antara.

He also mentioned other factors that could trigger limited visibility in the shipping lane of Labuan Bajo Port due to the phenomenon of El Nino.

"It is possible that the cause of this smog is the El Nino phenomenon which causes smog due to the evaporation of trapped water or it could also be from the eruption of the mountain in East Flores (Garunung Lewotobi)," he said.

The sailing ban was also issued following a failed phinisi ship incident, due to limited visibility while sailing in the waters of Labuan Bajo on Thursday afternoon.

He also explained that the current rain in the Labuan Bajo area can clean up volcanic dust particles, so that visibility can return to normal.

"If this rain can catch particles that cause fog, it should be clean, then the ban or appeal can be lifted. We continue to coordinate with the BMKG, and from the BMKG it is conveyed that there is a phenomenon of El Nino and then if the eruption can be captured by rainwater and later the visibility can be good again," he said.

He explained that the Sailing Approval Service (SPB) has been postponed since January 4, 2024 and services will reopen by looking at weather conditions and visibility conditions have returned to normal.

"Regarding visibility, we are not in a position to determine how far it is, but if it is from us it can endanger shipping safety. Most importantly, ships sailing pay attention to good navigation procedures and use navigation and telecommunications assistance to navigate. Warning applies to all ships to be careful sailing in the waters of Labuan Bajo," he explained.

He also added that currently the Labuan Bajo harbormaster has formed an emergency team that is ready to provide assistance in the event of a marine accident in the Labuan Bajo waters.

"This has been proven several times that we acted quickly, there were no casualties due to ship accidents in Labuan Bajo The integrated team is Syahbandar, Basarnas, TNI, Polairud. All collaborate firmly in the context of security and evacuation if there is an incident of distress at sea," he said.