The Indonesian Navy, in this case the Marine Security Force (Guskamla) Koarmada III, successfully evacuated the Passenger Motor Ship (KMP) Teratai Prima 1 which had engine failure and was drifting. This evacuation was carried out by KRI Madidihang-855 which was carrying out the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Lane Security operation (Pam ALKI III) in the waters around Kelang Island, Seram Sea. Saturday (22/03).
The evacuation incident began in the early hours of the morning when KRI Madidihang-855 received information from the owner of KMP Teratai Prima 1 who reported that the ship had engine failure and was drifting. After receiving orders from the Commander of Guskamla Koarmada III Rear Admiral TNI Tomi Erizal, KRI Madidihang-855 led by Major Laut (P) Steven Reginald Louhenapessy immediately moved towards the ship’s location which was 22 Nautical Miles (NM).
Despite facing challenging weather, including heavy rain and waves as high as 1.5 to 2 meters, KRI Madidihang-855 successfully towed KMP Teratai Prima 1 to Buano Port, which is 12 NM from the location of the incident.
The evacuation process was successfully completed on Saturday morning, when KRI Madidihang-855 and KMP Teratai Prima 1 successfully docked safely at Buano Port Pier. All passengers and crew of the ship are safe.
KMP Teratai Prima 1 sailed from Ambon with the destination Buano-Obi-Bacan carrying 226 passengers. The success of the Indonesian Navy in carrying out this evacuation confirms the readiness and commitment of the Indonesian Navy in ensuring the security and safety of shipping in Indonesian waters, especially in strategic routes such as the Seram Sea.
With this evacuation, the Indonesian Navy demonstrated its professionalism and dedication in carrying out maritime security operations in line with the policy of the Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal) Admiral TNI Dr. Muhammad Ali to ensure protection for people sailing in Indonesian waters.