TANJUNGPINANG | INDATANEWS.COM – A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team continues efforts to locate a crew member of KM Pasifik II who has been reported missing in the waters of the Riau Strait, off Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province, since Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The missing crew member has been identified as Johan. Preliminary reports indicate that he fell overboard while the vessel was sailing from the waters of Lagoi toward Telaga Punggur, Batam. At the time of the incident, the vessel was reportedly experiencing propulsion problems, causing disruptions to its voyage.
The Tanjungpinang Search and Rescue Office received a report of the incident from the Batam Fisheries Port Authority Office at approximately 11:45 a.m. WIB on Thursday. Following the report, authorities immediately coordinated response measures and dispatched rescue personnel to the suspected location of the incident.
According to crew members, Johan's disappearance was first noticed at around 2:00 a.m. WIB when he could no longer be found on board. A thorough search of the vessel was conducted, but no trace of him was discovered.
The crew subsequently carried out an initial search around the suspected area where he may have fallen into the sea. However, the effort did not yield any results.
SEARCH OPERATION IN THE RIAU STRAIT: Personnel from the Tanjungpinang Search and Rescue Office travel aboard a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to the search area in an effort to locate Johan, who went missing during a voyage from Lagoi to Telaga Punggur. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Rescue Teams Deployed to Search AreaIn response to the report, the Tanjungpinang Search and Rescue Office swiftly deployed a rescue team from the USS Tanjung Uban standby unit to the search area.
Four SAR personnel were dispatched aboard a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to accelerate search operations in the Riau Strait. The team carried specialized rescue equipment aimed at improving the chances of locating the missing crew member as quickly as possible.
Authorities also alerted various SAR partner agencies across the Riau Islands to assist with the operation. The move was intended to strengthen manpower and expand surveillance coverage throughout the affected maritime zone.
In addition, patrol vessels and ships transiting the Riau Strait were informed of the incident and requested to remain vigilant for any signs of the missing crew member. Captains and crews were urged to immediately report any relevant observations to rescue authorities.
Given the vast search area and changing ocean currents, coordination among multiple agencies remains crucial to ensuring effective coverage of the waters.
COORDINATION WITH PASSING VESSELS: The joint SAR team and the Batam Fisheries Port Authority Office coordinate with passing vessels while expanding the search area to accelerate efforts to find the missing crew member in the Riau Strait. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Multi-Agency Search Operation UnderwaySeveral government agencies and institutions are participating in the ongoing operation. The Tanjungpinang Search and Rescue Office is working closely with the Batam Fisheries Port Authority Office to maximize available resources and improve operational efficiency.
Investigators and rescue personnel continue gathering information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, including Johan's last known location aboard the vessel. These details are being used to determine priority search sectors.
Weather conditions, wind direction, ocean currents, and other environmental factors are also being analyzed as part of the search planning process. Such elements can significantly affect the movement and location of a person in the water.
Hope Remains for a Swift RescueAs of Thursday afternoon, June 11, 2026, search efforts were still ongoing in several areas believed to be connected to Johan's disappearance.
Rescue teams remain hopeful that the missing crew member can be located soon. Authorities are maintaining continuous communication and information-sharing among all involved agencies to evaluate developments and adjust search strategies when necessary.
The incident once again highlights the importance of maritime safety procedures for vessel crews. The consistent use of safety equipment and continuous crew monitoring are considered essential measures in preventing serious accidents at sea.
Meanwhile, Johan's family members and colleagues continue to await updates from rescue authorities. At the time of publication, Johan remained officially listed as missing, and search operations were continuing. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Dalil Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala