KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla RI) successfully rescued six crew members of the Tugboat (TB) Mega 09, which sank and evacuated the Penata Besar barge that drifted in the waters north of Tempurung Island, Banten, West Java on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

"The rescue was conducted after State Ship (KN) Tanjung Datu-301 received information from the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Merak regarding the incident involving TB Mega 09 and the Penata Besar barge. Following this report, KN Tanjung Datu-301, which was sailing near Cilegon waters, coordinated with VTS Merak and proceeded to the location at 9.20 p.m ," said Bakamla RI Public Relations Officer, Captain Bakamla Yuhanes Antara, as quoted by rri.co.id.

At 10:30 p.m Jakarta time, KN Tanjung Datu-301 arrived at the scene and immediately conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation. The Bakamla team successfully evacuated six victims: Ali Usman, a 34-year-old captain; Ismail, a 54-year-old helmsman; Wahyudin, a 19-year-old sailor; Ridho, a 26-year-old sailor; Alexandro, a 28-year-old chief engineer; and Boni Alvano, a 55-year-old chief officer.

"All victims were successfully evacuated and taken to KN Tanjung Datu-301 for further treatment," he said.

Meanwhile, the Penata Besar barge was successfully evacuated with the assistance of TB Sahabat Kapuas Utama, which is from the same company as TB Mega 09.

The Penata Besar barge was then handed over to the relevant authorities, namely the Sea and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP), for further investigation of the TB Mega 09 sinking causes and the marine pollution resulting from the oil spill.

The KN Tanjung Datu-301 Commander, Colonel Bakamla Rudi Endratmoko, said that Bakamla RI will continue to coordinate with relevant parties to ensure navigation safety in Indonesian waters.

"Thanks to the swift action by Bakamla RI, six crew members who were victims of the maritime accident were rescued, and the condition of the waters around the incident site remains under supervision," said Rudi. ***