TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Another ship sank in the treacherous waters of Sula Archipelago in North Maluku on Sunday, when a motorized boat carrying local produces and passengers sank after it was hit by high waves. "We have been monitoring the evacuation efforts. No lives were lost in the incident," said the Sula Archipelago District Police Chief, Police Adj. Sr. Comr. Hadi Waiyono on Monday.
Prior to its sinking, KLM Norma Jaya was en route to Bitung, North Sulawesi after it departed from the village of Waisakai in North Mangoli Distruct. The ship was carrying 40 tons of copra and 12 passengers - including five crew members - when it was hit by a three-meter wave around 21:00 Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT).
Local fishermen from the village of Bajo rushed to the aid of the sinking ship and helped the search-and-rescue operations of its 12 passenger. Survivors were found throughout the night, with the last survivor pulled to shore on Monday afternoon.
"All passengers have been safely evacuated to Bajo, and we have received reports that all survivors are in good shape," said Hadi.
Treacherous sea conditions have been blamed for the incident, as police have not been able to find evidence of negligence, nor was the boat overloaded with cargo.
Previously n September 14, a longboat passenger service heading to Sanana Island from Mangoli Falabisahaya Island sand after it was hit by a three-meter wave in the waters surrounding Sula Archipelago. 14 people died in the incident, and seven people are still missing.
The waters around Sula Archipelago is known to be dangerous, and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning that the waters are unsuitable for small boats and vessels to sail through. "We advise residents to be extra careful when sailing through the area," said Aryo, a meteorologist from Ternate's BMKG.
On average, the waves around the waters surrounding North Maluku can reach a height of two to three meters. Such high waves are especially common in North Halmahera and Sula Archipelago.
BUDHY NURGIANTO