Commander of the 1617/Jembrana Military District Command Lieutenant Colonel M. Adriansyah stated on Thursday that his personnel are working with the Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the Jembrana Water Police to accelerate the evacuation process.
"I have ordered them to comb the coastline, especially in spots believed to be where the current may have carried the victims," he remarked.
"All stakeholders are doing their utmost, and the 1617/Jembrana Military District Command will continue to provide support until the search and rescue operation is completed," Adriansyah stated.
Meanwhile, Head of Information for the IX/Udayana Military Command Colonel Candra stated that his team immediately coordinated with other stakeholders after receiving news of the sinking.
Related news: MV Tunu Pratama Jaya with 53 passengers, 22 cars sinks off Bali island
"We appreciate the synergy from all parties, including the TNI, National Police, local government agencies, and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly. The operation is still underway, and we are committed to fully supporting rescue efforts until all victims are found," he emphasized.
He noted that this incident serves as a reminder to maintain vigilance during extreme weather, especially in busy shipping lanes like the Bali Strait.
Extreme weather and large waves in the Bali Strait caused the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya to sink on Wednesday night.
Initial reports from the field suggest a leak in the ship's engine room.
The ship departed from Ketapang Port at 22:56 local time, bound for Gilimanuk Port, carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles.
Head of the Banyuwangi Basarnas Post Wahyu Setiabudi explained that the incident occurred at around 23:20 WIB, and just 15 minutes later, at 23:35 WIB, the ship sank.
Recent data shows that 29 people have been found alive, four have died, and the search continues for the remaining victims.
Related news: Rescue Tunu Pratama Jaya passengers, crew: Prabowo
Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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