The minister stated that, based on a report from the Manado Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), the ship was still emitting smoke, so cooling efforts were still underway as of Tuesday evening, July 22.
"Therefore, I have asked the team to expedite the cooling process," the minister noted in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
He emphasized the need to speed up the ship's cooling process so the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) can immediately begin its investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
"This will allow the KNKT to quickly approach and access the ship's area to conduct an investigation," the minister remarked.
He explained that the ship's cooling operations resumed on Wednesday morning, July 23, utilizing the KN Pasatimpo P. 212 and the KN 331 from the Bitung Class II PLP Base. The firefighting personnel comprised those from the Bitung PLP Base, the Bitung KSOP, the Manado KSOP, and the Likupang UPP.
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"Meanwhile, KNKT officers have also begun arriving at the fire site, though they are unable to start their investigation yet because the fire has not been completely extinguished," he explained.
Purwagandhi also stated that the joint SAR team is still searching for two passengers believed to be missing, based on reports from the victims' families.
The search will be expanded northeast from the initial fire location and will continue for the next three days.
Purwagandhi expressed hope that all passengers would soon be found and wished a speedy recovery to those receiving treatment in hospitals.
The KM Barcelona V caught fire in the waters off Talise, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, on Sunday, July 20.
Preliminary data indicated that 580 people were affected by the KM Barcelona V fire, with 575 survivors, three confirmed deceased, and two still missing.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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