National shipping company PT PELNI has confirmed that the feeder vessel KM Gandha Nusantara 17 was not carrying any passengers when it sank in the challenging waters of North Maluku on Sunday, March 15th. The vessel was operating with a crew of seven, all of whom were successfully evacuated and reported to be in good condition.
Earlier reports had unfortunately indicated that seven individuals were missing following the incident. However, M. Lutfi Israr, Head of PELNI‘s Ternate Branch, promptly clarified that all seven crew members were successfully rescued and transferred to the KM Sabuk Nusantara 115, which was operating in the vicinity of the accident. He explicitly stated that no crew members were unaccounted for.
The swift and effective response was highlighted by Lutfi in his statement on Sunday, March 15th. “At the time of the incident, there were seven crew members on board, with no general passengers or cargo,” Lutfi explained. “PELNI‘s Management Response Team reacted quickly, coordinating intensely with Basarnas and the KM Sabuk Nusantara 115, which was not far from the scene.”
The rescue operation faced significant challenges. “The crew of KM Sabuk Nusantara 115 made several attempts to approach the KM Gandha Nusantara 17, but high sea waves made the evacuation process difficult,” Lutfi added. Despite these arduous conditions, the persistent efforts of the Sabuk Nusantara 115 crew ultimately prevailed, leading to the successful evacuation of all crew members.
Lutfi unequivocally confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries resulting from the maritime incident. Reassuringly, he stated, “There were no casualties in this incident, and all seven crew members of the KM Gandha Nusantara 17 are in good health. The KM Sabuk Nusantara 115 has since returned to Ternate.”
The incident occurred at approximately 09:00 Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT). Lutfi elaborated that the KM Gandha Nusantara 17 was en route from Bitung to Tidore when it encountered severe weather conditions about 30 nautical miles from Ternate. The vessel faced high sea waves reaching three to four meters, compounded by strong winds, leading to its unfortunate sinking.
The KM Gandha Nusantara 17 serves as a crucial ‘rede’ or feeder vessel. Operating within the Tidore region, it plays a vital role in transporting passengers from larger PELNI ships anchored offshore to the pier. This essential ferry service is provided free of charge to the public, underscoring its importance to the local community.
PT PELNI extended its deepest appreciation to the captain and all the crew members of the KM Sabuk Nusantara 115 for their immediate assistance and their successful evacuation of the KM Gandha Nusantara 17 crew. “We also express our gratitude to the Basarnas Ternate Team for their continuous coordination and swift support,” Lutfi concluded, acknowledging the collaborative spirit that ensured a positive outcome in the face of adversity.
Summary
The feeder vessel KM Gandha Nusantara 17, operated by PT PELNI, sank in North Maluku waters on Sunday, March 15th. The incident occurred approximately 30 nautical miles from Ternate while the ship was en route from Bitung to Tidore, encountering severe weather with high waves and strong winds. Crucially, the vessel was not carrying any passengers or cargo, only its seven crew members.
All seven crew members were successfully evacuated and are reported to be in good condition, with no fatalities or injuries. The rescue operation, coordinated by PELNI’s Management Response Team with Basarnas and the KM Sabuk Nusantara 115, faced challenges due to high sea waves but ensured the safety of all onboard. The KM Gandha Nusantara 17 served as a vital free feeder service in the Tidore region.