Asia/Pacific News
Vessel Sinks in Indonesia After Grounding, No Reports of Spilled Bunkers
Aging cargo vessel, the KM Bunga Melati XV, ran aground and sank at Port Tagulandang March 22, according to local media reports.
All crew members were taken off the vessel safely, and so far there are no reports of spilled bunkers or environmental contamination.
The vessel, which was carrying a cargo of cement at the time, is reported to be owned by PT Pertamina Persero (Pertamina) and is said to have hit a reef while approaching the port's dock, breaching the hull.
According to the report the ship started taking on water and partially sank at about 1600 hours.
Gandawari Mulalinda, Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications and Information Technology, Sitaro District, was quoted as saying the ship sailed from Tarjun Batulicin.
The report claims an investigation into the sinking has already begun.
