Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesian search and rescue teams expanded the search for victims of the KM Nurul Salsa ferry disaster as operations entered their fifth day on July 19.
The joint rescue team widened the search area to 1,305 square nautical miles, according to Andi Sultan, Head of Operations and Preparedness at the Makassar Search and Rescue Office.
The operation now covers four search sectors, each measuring approximately 337.5 square nautical miles.
“We expanded the search area to 1,305 square nautical miles, divided into four search sectors,” Andi said on July 19.
Moreover, search teams are using the Search and Rescue Marine Prediction (SARMAP) system to determine priority areas.
The operation involves KN SAR Puntadewa 250, KN SAR Pacitan 102, KRI Marlin 877, and KRI Hiu 634.
In addition, KRI Marlin 877 and KRI Hiu 634 recently joined the mission to strengthen search efforts across the expanded area.
Meanwhile, KN SAR Kamajaya is transporting five survivors to Benteng Selayar Port after rescuers found them alive following four days adrift at sea.
After the survivors arrive at the hospital, the vessel will immediately return to the search mission.
The KM Nurul Salsa was carrying 78 people when it sank in waters off the Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi.
So far, rescue teams have saved 57 passengers and recovered one body.
However, 20 people remain missing.
Authorities said they will continue search operations while reviewing progress each day. They will also adjust search sectors based on weather conditions and field evaluations.
