The owner of KM Facific Memory II thanked the Indonesian government for its rapid maritime rescue efforts.
Hermawan, SH, expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Ir. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono.
His remarks followed the successful rescue of 30 crew members from KM Facific Memory II after it was struck by a foreign tanker.
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He said the prompt response by the Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry was critical to saving lives.
“All 30 crew were evacuated safely, though some were injured and traumatized,” Hermawan said in a written statement Thursday, June 5.
Two of the crew members suffered broken bones and remain under intensive medical care.
Hermawan also acknowledged the coordinated response from various agencies during the critical hours after the collision.
He extended thanks to Director General Pung Nugroho Saksono of the Indonesian Marine Resources Surveillance Directorate.
He also recognized the Quick Reaction Patrol Unit from PSDKP Batam and its vessel HIU BIRU 002.
Gratitude was extended to Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority and its MRCC coordination center.
Hermawan named Semuel Sandi Rundupadang of PSDKP Batam among those who played key rescue roles.
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He also commended the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and its Tanjung Datu 301 vessel.
The Basarnas team from Tanjung Pinang, under Selamet Riyadi, was cited for their role in evacuation.
The evacuation effort also included KN Rantos from PLP Tanjung Uban, led by Sugeng Riyono.
Coastal police, naval commanders in Bintan, port quarantine officers, and Malaysian maritime officials joined the rescue.
The crew was found stranded aboard the Liberian-flagged vessel Andros Spirit after the crash.
Hermawan recounted the harrowing night of May 20, when the crash occurred off Berakit, Batam.
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According to him, the Hong Kong–flagged tanker Cosco Development collided with their fishing vessel around 3 a.m. local time.
The tanker allegedly fled the scene without assisting the sinking fishing boat or its crew.
For hours, the 30 fishermen floated in the water, weak and in shock, awaiting help.
“The emotional and physical toll on the crew is severe,” Hermawan said.
Two men suffered bone fractures; all others experienced trauma and hypothermia.
Material losses were also significant, including the complete sinking of the KM Facific Memory II.
Hermawan stated that legal proceedings had begun in the Indonesian district court.
He confirmed a civil lawsuit was filed against the tanker’s captain and shipowner.
The charges may include violations under Indonesia’s Shipping Law No. 17 of 2008.
He also cited the Criminal Code (KUHP) and other maritime statutes as legal grounds.
“We hope the captain will surrender along with the vessel,” he said.
“If not, we will push for legal enforcement through extradition mechanisms,” he added.***
