Inp.polri.go.id - Kupang. The West Manggarai Sub-regional  Police have named the captain and a crew member of the tourist boat KLM Putri Sakinah as suspects following a fatal maritime accident in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, that killed four Spanish citizens.

The suspects are the captain, identified as L, and the engine crew member or chief engineer, identified as M.

“The determination of suspects followed a formal case review that confirmed elements of criminal negligence,” said East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police Head of Public Relations Senior Superintendent Henry Novika Chandra, as quoted by antaranews.com.

He explained that the accident occurred due to negligent boat operation in West Manggarai waters. The suspects are charged under the Criminal Code related to negligence causing death.

Investigators will continue coordinating with prosecutors to complete the case file, while police urged operators to strictly comply with safety standards to prevent similar incidents.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)