Saturday, 13 June 2026
TANJUNGPINANG | INDATANEWS.COM – A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team continues efforts to locate a crew member of KM Pasifik II who has been reported missing in the waters of the Riau Strait, off Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province, since Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The missing crew member has been identified as Johan. Preliminary reports indicate that he fell overboard while the vessel was sailing from the waters of Lagoi toward Telaga Punggur, Batam. At the time of the incident, the vessel was reportedly experiencing propulsion problems, causing disruptions to its voyage.The Tanjungpinang Search and Rescue Office received a report of the incident from the Batam Fisheries Port Authority Office at approximately 11:45 a.m. WIB on Thursday. Following the report, authorities immediately coordinated response measures and dispatched rescue personnel to the suspected location of the incident.
According to crew members, Johan's disappearance was first noticed at around 2:00 a.m. WIB when he could no longer be found on board. A thorough search of the vessel was conducted, but no trace of him was discovered.The crew subsequently carried out an initial search around the suspected area where he may have fallen into the sea. However, the effort did not yield any results.
Four SAR personnel were dispatched aboard a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to accelerate search operations in the Riau Strait. The team carried specialized rescue equipment aimed at improving the chances of locating the missing crew member as quickly as possible.
Authorities also alerted various SAR partner agencies across the Riau Islands to assist with the operation. The move was intended to strengthen manpower and expand surveillance coverage throughout the affected maritime zone.In addition, patrol vessels and ships transiting the Riau Strait were informed of the incident and requested to remain vigilant for any signs of the missing crew member. Captains and crews were urged to immediately report any relevant observations to rescue authorities.
Given the vast search area and changing ocean currents, coordination among multiple agencies remains crucial to ensuring effective coverage of the waters.
Weather conditions, wind direction, ocean currents, and other environmental factors are also being analyzed as part of the search planning process. Such elements can significantly affect the movement and location of a person in the water.
Rescue teams remain hopeful that the missing crew member can be located soon. Authorities are maintaining continuous communication and information-sharing among all involved agencies to evaluate developments and adjust search strategies when necessary.
The incident once again highlights the importance of maritime safety procedures for vessel crews. The consistent use of safety equipment and continuous crew monitoring are considered essential measures in preventing serious accidents at sea.Meanwhile, Johan's family members and colleagues continue to await updates from rescue authorities. At the time of publication, Johan remained officially listed as missing, and search operations were continuing. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
