BIMA, Indonesia — A major maritime rescue operation concluded successfully on Friday, July 17, as all 45 passengers and crew members were safely accounted for after their tourist vessel sank in the waters off Tanjung Katupa, Bima Regency.
The disaster struck on Thursday evening at approximately 7:45 PM local time. The boat, which was navigating the route from Gili Trawangan to Komodo Island, encountered treacherous conditions before being overwhelmed by high seas. The manifest included 37 passengers—comprising 29 foreign nationals and 8 domestic travelers—along with 8 crew members.
| Rescue Actor | Key Contribution |
|---|---|
| First Responders (Tour Boats) | Immediate evacuation from lifecrafts |
| Mataram SAR Office | Integrated operational command |
| Local Authorities (Polairud/BPBD) | Port-side medical and logistical support |
The successful rescue was largely attributed to the rapid mobilization of nearby tourist vessels. According to Muhamad Hariyadi, head of the Mataram Search and Rescue Office, the Sukha Sail was the first to arrive on the scene, facilitating the initial transfer of survivors from lifecrafts.
”Our primary priority was the safety of every passenger and crew member,” Hariyadi stated. “Following the initial response, the survivors were transferred to the Majestic and Sultan for stabilization. 17 individuals were taken aboard the Sultan, while 28 were sheltered on the Majestic.”
A coordinated effort between the Mataram SAR Office, Bima Water Police, and regional disaster management agencies ensured a smooth extraction process. In the early hours of Friday morning, the KM Amokti Palapa was dispatched from Bima Port to rendezvous with the rescue vessels, eventually delivering all survivors to safety by mid-morning.
Following a medical evaluation at Bima Port, the search and rescue operation was officially declared closed. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of maritime travel in the region, prompting renewed calls for strict adherence to weather warnings and safety protocols for all commercial tour operators.
