Rizky Hidayatullah, Jakarta – The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is coordinating intensively regarding the salvage operation of the wreckage of the Tunu Pratama Jaya passenger motor vessel, which sank in the Bali Strait.

This effort is part of the ongoing phase of the search operation for victims who remain missing following the maritime accident.

Coordination is being carried out with the joint SAR team, the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office, as well as other related agencies, including the Ministry of Transportation and Ketapang Port Authority.

Deputy for Search and Rescue Operations and Preparedness at the National SAR Agency, Ribut Eko Suyatno, provided the latest updates during a hybrid press conference held at the Joint SAR Post at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, on Sunday afternoon.

"We are coordinating with port authorities and the Ministry of Transportation to determine the steps for victim evacuation and salvage of the sunken vessel," Eko said.

According to him, the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office has communicated with the ship operator regarding the salvage plan. Administrative documents have already been submitted in writing as part of the procedure.

Meanwhile, the Tanjung Perak Surabaya Navigation Office has issued a notice to mariners regarding the current situation around the sunken vessel site.

The notice instructs that all maritime activities, including anchoring and relocation of sea buoys, be temporarily suspended in the designated area.

The last known location of the vessel has been specifically marked using reference point number 8, and all parties are requested to refrain from any activity in the area for safety reasons.

Basarnas said that the salvage of the Tunu Pratama Jaya passenger vessel wreckage will thoroughly consider technical and on-site safety aspects.

Casualty numbers continue to be updated

According to the latest data from the SAR Operation Post and the Joint SAR Task Force at Ketapang Port, a total of 30 people have been confirmed as survivors of the Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry sinking incident.

Meanwhile, 18 victims have been found deceased, three of whom are still in the process of identification. Another 17 individuals remain missing and are still being searched for.

The joint SAR team continues to conduct intensive searches, both via diving and surface surveillance, to locate the missing victims. These search and evacuation efforts are being carried out tirelessly to provide certainty and closure to the families of the Tunu Pratama Jaya victims.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/wreck-of-sunken-ferry-set-for-salvage-in-bali-strait-17-still-missin