BALIKPAPAN - The Port Authority and Port Authority (KSOP) Office of Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan (Kaltim) said two crew members were still trapped on the Muchlisa ferry that sank in the waters of North Penajam Paser Regency.
"Two crew members are reportedly still trapped in the ferry that sank and are currently being searched for by the crew (ABK) and high-ranking officers of the ship (chief officer)," said Head of KSOP Balikpapan City Heru Susanto as reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 5.
A total of 16 other Muchlisa ferry crews have been evacuated and are now at the Balikpapan City KSOP office for questioning in the preparation of the Investigation Report (BAP).
"The ferry's cargo consists of 18 crew members and 22 passengers, as well as two motorbikes and seven cars," he explained.
A total of 22 passengers were successfully evacuated safely by another ship in the vicinity of the incident site, the evacuation took place quickly because the ship's position was quite close to the port and supported by the presence of small ships and elements of the Indonesian Navy.
The search for the two crew members who were still trapped on the sinking Muchlisa ferry, he said, was carried out by a joint search and rescue team (Search And Rescue / SAR).
"But because of the consideration of the weather conditions, the search will be carried out again tomorrow morning, Tuesday (6/5) at around 07.00 WITA," he continued.
Muchlisa ferry was only completed maintenance or repair (doc) in February 2025 and was technically declared seaworthy, as well as ship agents have been responsible for passengers, including provision of food and temporary accommodation.
The sinking of the Muchlisa ferry began with damage to the propeller which caused a leak in the hull. According to him, the crew had tried to repair the leak by making an emergency response.
However, this effort was unsuccessful because the water quickly entered and the ship continued to experience a slope. Repair efforts were unsuccessful, said HeruSusanto, because the time was very limited and the condition of the ship was getting tilted and eventually sinking.
The incident occurred only 200 meters from the mainland of Penajam Paser Utara Regency, the Muchlisa ferry departed from Karingau Port, Balikpapan City, at 14.00 WITA and arrived around the waters of Penajam Paser Utara Regency at 15.00 WITA.
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