Two crewmembers lost their lives after a Ro-Pax ferry capsized and sank in Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province on 5 May.
The vessel was en route from Balikpapan to Penajam when its port engine reportedly failed. The crew discovered that the port-side propeller shaft had broken, causing hull damage and water ingress. Despite efforts to carry out emergency repairs the flooding could not be contained.
The crew contacted a nearby ferry for assistance and requested help in intentionally grounding the ferry to prevent it from sinking. The vessel was successfully beached on a sandbar, but later broke free and drifted approximately 600 feet offshore, where it eventually listed to starboard, capsized, and sank, according to local media. Passengers were evacuated with the assistance of first responders.
Initially, local officials believed there were no casualties, however, rescue agency Basarnas later confirmed there were 23 passengers and 21 crewmembers on board. Two crew members were reported missing and were suspected to be trapped inside the sunken vessel. Later, both missing crewmembers were found deceased and the search operation was suspended
Authorities have since launched an investigation, questioning the captain, helmsman, and other crew members.
