Banyuwangi, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team has recovered the body of a deceased passenger from the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya in the southern Bali Strait on Sunday. This marks the seventh confirmed fatality from the ferry accident, with 30 individuals rescued. The search continues for 28 others still missing.
First Admiral TNI Endra Hartono, Commander of the Koarmada II Surabaya Naval Combat Group, confirmed that the male victim was found around 10:41 a.m. local time, approximately six miles from the site where the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank on July 2.
“The body was initially spotted by KRI Pulau Fanildo during an underwater survey. After detection, we sent KRI Tongkol to evacuate the victim,” Hartono said in a statement to the media on Sunday.
The victim, whose identity is still unknown, was found face down, wearing a navy blue shirt and shorts.
The body was brought aboard KRI Tongkol and transported to Pusri Pier in Ketapang, Banyuwangi District, at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time. From there, it was immediately taken to Blambangan Regional Hospital for identification.
Hartono further explained, “Before being handed over to the family, the body underwent further identification procedures.”
On Saturday, July 5, the joint SAR team, led by the Navigation Service of the Ministry of Transportation, located an object on the seabed at a depth of 40 to 60 meters, which is believed to be the wreckage of the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya.
The location of the wreck has now shifted approximately 800 meters from its original position, where the ferry sank on July 2. The ship was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles at the time of the incident. (BL)