Two people dead after ferry sank in Indonesia

FerryThe ro-pax ferry KMP MUCHLISA, built in 1980 and measuring 725 gross tonnes, suddenly capsized and sank on 5 May at 3:30 PM local time, less than one nautical mile from its destination, Penajam Port in Balikpapan Bay, Indonesia. Local media reported that KMP MUCHLISA had 22 passengers and 18 crew members on board at the time of the incident, during which the ferry sank rapidly and came to rest on the seabed at a depth of 12 metres.

A large search and rescue (SAR) operation was quickly launched, and by the end of the day, it was confirmed that 38 people had been rescued, while two crew members remained missing. Over the following 24 hours, both missing crew members were recovered by a dive team - both were deceased. One was found inside the accommodation, and the other on the car deck. Initial reports suggest that the accident was caused by a sudden leak, which led to a complete machinery blackout. KMP MUCHLISA is owned and operated by PT. Pelayaran Sadena Mitra Bahari.