The Motor Vessel (KM) Cahaya Intan Celebes GT 44 tragically sank in the waters of Poleang, Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) on Saturday, February 14th. Fortunately, all 13 passengers and seven crew members on board were successfully rescued following the maritime incident, as reported by Basarnas Kendari.
Wahyudi, spokesperson for Basarnas Kendari, stated that the unfortunate event unfolded around 9:00 AM Central Indonesian Time (Wita). The vessel had departed from Bajoe Port in Bone City and was en route to Boepinang Port in Bombana when the emergency occurred, he elaborated, as quoted by Antara.
According to Wahyudi, while the KM Cahaya Intan Celebes was navigating the open sea, it developed a significant leak. Seawater rapidly inundated the vessel’s hull, ultimately leading to its sinking.
Crucially, as the ship began to submerge, nearby fishermen quickly came to the aid of those on board. Their swift response ensured that all passengers and crew were rescued from the sinking vessel. Following their rescue, everyone was promptly evacuated to the Boepinang Bombana Community Health Center for medical checks and assistance.
Further details regarding the incident have emerged, shedding light on the challenging conditions that led to the sinking.
Battered by High Waves
Haeruddin, Head of the Kolaka SAR Post, provided a more comprehensive timeline, explaining that the KM Cahaya Intan Celebes began its journey from Bajoe Port around midnight Wita. The vessel was progressing normally until approximately 6:00 AM Wita when its hull sustained damage and developed a severe leak. This critical failure was attributed to being repeatedly struck by large waves and battered by strong winds. In a desperate attempt to save the vessel, the crew deployed four water pumps (alkon machines) to expel the ingress of seawater, but their efforts proved insufficient against the relentless influx.
Realizing they could not stem the flow of water flooding the hull, the ship’s captain made a crucial decision. Spotting a nearby fishing boat, the captain skillfully maneuvered the distressed vessel towards it. Subsequently, all passengers and crew were safely transferred and evacuated onto the fishing boat, just as the KM Cahaya Intan Celebes finally succumbed to the leaks and sank completely.