Inp.polri.go.id - North Penajam Paser. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan, confirmed on Monday (5/5/2025) that several passengers aboard the ferry Muchlisa, which sank off the district’s coast on Monday afternoon, have been evacuated.

"The Muchlisa ferry sank in the waters of Penajam Paser Utara," said BPBD Head Muhammad Sukadi Kuncoro in a statement, as quoted by antaranews.com. 

The vessel from Balikpapan bound for Penajam reportedly sank just 200 meters from shore after suffering engine failure and a suspected leak.  According to BPBD, the left engine failed while the vessel was attempting to dock. A crew inspection found the ship's propeller shaft had broken and contacted PT Ferry 3 Anugerah for assistance in beaching the vessel to prevent it from sinking, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

The ferry eventually went down at the location. Police are currently questioning witnesses, including the helmsman and captain, and have launched an investigation at the site.cWhile some passengers have been evacuated, officials have yet to confirm the total number of passengers and vehicles onboard. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)