TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Sea Transportation Director General at Transportation Ministry Agus Purnomo asserted KM Lestari Maju boat was not capsized in Selayar waters, Bulukumba district, South Sulawesi but it was deliberately being sunken to ease the evacuation process.
Agus conveyed the statement after receiving reports from Bulukumba Port Management (UPP) Class III head Zainuddin. “The water enters the boat due to bad weather so the captain deliberately abandons the ship,” said Agus in a written statement at Jakarta today, July 3.
Read: KM Lestari Maju Capsized, SAR Team Needs More Rescue Boat
Earlier, the KM Lestari Maju boat reportedly capsized due to the leaking on the left hull of the boat causing engine failure on its way to Pamatata Port, Selayar from Bira Port. The captain strived to dock the boat in the nearest island. However, part of the ship emerged in the waters before reaching the shore.
The captain Agus Susanto acknowledged the leaking and then immediately directed the boat carrying 139 passengers to be around 300 meters away from Padabilang Beach, Selayar Islands. The boat also loaded 48 units of vehicles.
Agus said the evacuation process was currently taking place. Some of the passengers were still onboard while others survived. As of press time, 12 passengers were found dead due to the incident of KM Lestari Maju today, July 3.
FAJAR PEBRIANTO
