Investigate Bridge Collision Ship Moves In Merak, Police: Port Operations Run Normally

The condition of the bridge moved after being hit by a ship at Pier VI Merak Port, Banten, Monday (17/3/2025). (ANTARA/HO-ASDP)

JAKARTA - The police are investigating the cause of the Portlink III ship crashing into a movable bridge or a moving bridge at Pier VI Merak Port, Banten, Monday 17 March.

Kapolsek KSKP Merak, Iptu Ignatius Andrean, said that currently his party had evacuated service users who were on board and were investigating the cause of the incident.

The reason why the ship could crash at Pier VI is the movable bridge. For the time being, the Portlink III ship has been evacuated," he said in Cilegon, Monday, March 17, which was confiscated by Antara.

He revealed that although the movable bridge was damaged, Pier VI could still operate to serve crossing service users, including for truck vehicles.

The trucks will use a side ramp door later. If the damaged one is a movable bridge for the front derivative or the back of the ship, so later the side ramp door will be used," he said.

There were no casualties in this incident and service users on board the Portlink III ship had been successfully evacuated to the VII pier of Merak Port.

"There are no fatalities, only material losses. We, Polri and Polair, evacuated service users on board to Pier VII. Operations are still running normally," he said.

Meanwhile, ASDP Corporate Secretary, Shelvy Arifin, said KMP Portlink III departed from Bakauheni Port to Merak Port, Monday at 08.41 WIB. At around 10.00 WIB, the ship has entered the flow and is preparing to dock at Merak Executive Pier VI.

During the sandar process, the ship experienced problems with movement, then hit a moving bridge which resulted in damage to the ferry, column housing, and concrete protection. In addition, KMP Portlink III also suffered damage to the ramp door.

"ASDP has also coordinated with the police and related regulators (KSOP and BPTD) to ensure the evacuation process runs smoothly," he said.

He also appealed to all service users to remain calm and follow the directions of officers in the field. ASDP is committed to providing safe and comfortable services for all ferry service users.