Indonesia Ends Ferry Fire Monitoring After No Survivors Found

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has concluded its active monitoring for the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry after a four-day search in the waters north of Madura Island, East Java. The agency found no indications of the ship or any potential survivors.

"With no signs of victims who may still be missing, we are ending the active monitoring activities," stated Nanang Sigit PH, head of the Surabaya SAR Class A office, on Sunday. The active monitoring phase began on Wednesday, August 5, after the SAR operation's status shifted from rescue to monitoring.

During the monitoring period, Basarnas deployed personnel and equipment, including the KN SAR 249 Permadi ship and a RIB from the Sumenep SAR Post for sea-level searches. Aerial surveillance was conducted using a Basarnas AW139 HR1301 helicopter to broaden the search area. These efforts aimed to locate any signs of the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II or any individuals who might still be missing.

Following the conclusion of active monitoring, the Surabaya SAR Class A office will remain on standby for any other emergency situations. Previously, Basarnas Marshal Madya TNI Mohammad Syafii had transitioned the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II fire incident from a special SAR operation to a readiness operation after all 238 individuals on board were accounted for. This confirmation came after synchronizing manifest data, which identified 233 survivors and five fatalities. Survivors were evacuated by various vessels, including KM Meratus Pematang Siantar, TB Hasnur, KN Permadi, Selaras Mas, KRI Nala, and KMP Mutiara Ferindo I. The deceased were also recovered by KM Meratus Pematang Siantar, KRI Nala, and KMP Mutiara Ferindo I.

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With no signs of victims who may still be missing, we are ending the active monitoring activities.