Search Mission for Sinking Ship in Selayar Waters Halted, 18 Remain Missing

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A total of 18 passengers of the Yuiee Jaya II ship that sank in Selayar waters have been declared missing after the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Makassar stopped the 10-day search at Benteng Harbor, Selayar Regency. 

"The search for the missing crew of the Yuiee Jaya II Ship was stopped and concluded today," said the Head of the Makassar Basarnas Office, Mexianus Bekabel, Thursday, March 21, 2024. 

He admitted that his team had conducted a search for victims of the ship accident in Selayar Waters for seven days according to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Later, the search was extended for three days because some passengers had not been found. 

Mexianus also added, that his party had informed VTS Makassar, SROP Makassar, and MATS Sultan Hasanuddin to disseminate information to ships or planes passing through Selayar Waters if they know, see, and or find victims of the sinking ship. 

Basarnas also agreed to hand over survivors to the local government.

Previously, the fishing boat KM Yuiee Jaya II with the route Jakarta - Lombok sank in Selayar Waters, on Saturday morning, March 9, 2024.

However, the team only received information that the ship sank due to bad weather on Monday, March 11, after two crew members were found by fishermen stranded on Jampea Island. A total of 35 passengers were on board, of whom 12 survived, five died, and 18 remained missing.

DIDIT HARIYADI

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