On Monday, the Indonesian ferry Muchlisa sank off East Kalimantan, resulting in the deaths of two crew members. The incident occurred around 3 PM during a short journey from Balikpapan to Penajam when the ferry’s port engine failed. The crew discovered a broken propeller shaft, leading to hull damage and water intake. Emergency repairs were unsuccessful.
In a bid to prevent sinking, the Muchlisa contacted a nearby ferry for assistance and managed to ground itself on a sandbar. However, it later drifted free and sank approximately 600 feet offshore. Passengers were evacuated with help from first responders, but the ferry eventually capsized.
Authorities have begun questioning the crew, including the captain and helmsman, as an investigation unfolds. Initial reports indicated no casualties, but a subsequent passenger list identified 23 passengers and 21 crew members aboard. Two crew members, Ilham and Khayu, were later found missing and presumed trapped in the wreckage.
Search efforts continued on Tuesday, with a dive team deployed for recovery operations. Both missing crew members were ultimately recovered deceased, leading to the suspension of search efforts, according to local reports.
Share it now
