Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesian search and rescue teams recovered another body believed to be linked to the sinking of KM Nurul Salsa during the seventh day of search operations on July 21. The discovery came in the waters off the Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi.
Local fishermen near Pamulikang Island spotted a body floating in nearby waters. They immediately reported the discovery to the joint search and rescue command post at Benteng Port in Selayar Islands Regency.
After receiving the report, Basarnas Makassar dispatched KN SAR Kamajaya 104 and RIB KN SAR Pacitan. The rescue teams recovered the body and transported it ashore.
Muhammad Arif Anwar, head of Basarnas Makassar, said authorities will identify the victim before releasing the person’s identity to the public.
“Our rescue vessels immediately moved to the location to recover the body. The forensic team at Bhayangkara Hospital in Makassar will complete the identification process. We cannot confirm the victim’s identity until that process ends,” Arif said.
The search operation continued across five designated sectors on its seventh day. Authorities also expanded the search area to 2,924 square nautical miles. They made the adjustment to account for ocean currents and changing weather conditions.
The operation involved RB Mataram 220, KN SAR Puntadewa, KN SAR Kamajaya 104, KN SAR Pacitan, KRI Marlin 877, and KRI Hiu 634. Personnel from the Indonesian military, police, regional disaster agencies, port authorities, local governments, and volunteer rescue groups also joined the mission.
Arif expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He also thanked local residents and fishermen for providing information that supports the ongoing search.
As of July 21, authorities said 78 people were aboard KM Nurul Salsa when it sank. Rescue teams have saved 59 survivors. Authorities previously confirmed one death. The forensic team is still identifying the newly recovered body. Search teams continue looking for the remaining missing passengers.
