KNKT Findings: KMP Yunicee Turns Out Not Giving Danger Signals When Drowning In Gilimanuk

DOK IST / KMP Yunicee

BANYUWANGI - The National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) is still investigating the sinking of KMP Yunicee in Gilimanuk waters, Bali.

Temporary findings, KMP Yunicee did not emit a danger signal through the EPIRB or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon device when it sank in the Bali Strait.

This was known when the KNKT asked Basarnas for information regarding the danger signal from the ship. This appliance should emit a distress signal automatically when submerged in water.

If the EPIRB is functioning properly, it will transmit an emergency radio signal to the satellite if the ship has an accident.

The signal is then received by Basarnas to determine the location of the accident and carry out a rescue as soon as possible.

This signal contains information on the location of the ship, the name of the ship, and who the contact is from the ship.

"Yesterday, we didn't know why the equipment didn't transmit (transmitted a danger signal). As soon as the ship entered the water, the device popped up and emitted a signal," said KNKT chairman Soerjanto Tjahjono at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, Friday evening, July 2.

This tool is an obligation that must exist on every sailing ship.

"This is a requirement, if there is no equipment, it will not be allowed to sail," he said.

This tool is important because accidents at sea can happen anywhere. For example, if the accident is in the middle of the sea, then this tool will notify the position or point of the ship that crashed.

"Yes, if anyone sees (an accident) while in the middle of the sea, how to report it. This tool is made for quick help," he said.

KNKT, he said, is still investigating why this device is not sending a signal. It could be, this tool is tied to the ship using a chain so that it does not rise to the surface.

"Sometimes we are afraid of being stolen in chains, this is a dilemma, security problems cause safety problems. We are still trying to explore this," he said.