Inp.polri.go.id - Tanjungpinang.  The Anambas Sub-regional Police and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) have been investigating the sinking of the motor vessel KM Samarinda, which resulted in three deaths.

The incident occurred at 5 pm on Friday (26/7/2024) in Matak waters, Anambas regency, Riau Islands. 

The vessel, carrying around 40 passengers from Tarempa Port to Matak Port, sank with three confirmed dead, six critically injured, and the rest rescued, according to antaranews.com.

“We are currently investigating the cause of the sinking,” said Anambas Police Chief Superintendent Apri Fajar Hermanto.

Rescue operations, which began shortly after the incident report, concluded by  7 pm. Deceased passengers were taken to Matak and Tarempa hospitals, while the critically injured were transported to Anambas Regional General Hospital.

Initial suspicions point to weather conditions, specifically strong southern waves, as a potential cause. Investigations are ongoing to determine if human error contributed to the disaster.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)