indonesiabrief.com/ — Foreign Vessel Rams and Flees After Sinking Indonesian Fishing Boat, Says Owner
Hermawan, SH, the owner of the Indonesian fishing vessel KM. Facific Memory II that sank after being struck by a foreign tanker, has expressed his deepest appreciation to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, MM, for the swift response of the ministry’s rescue teams.
The fishing vessel was reportedly hit and sunk by the Hong Kong-flagged tanker Cosco Development in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the northern waters of Berakit, Batam, Riau Islands Province. The tanker fled the scene without rendering aid to the victims, according to Hermawan.
“Praise be to God. Thanks to the quick and professional response from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) and several other key agencies, 30 crew members were successfully evacuated, albeit in a weak and traumatized state. Two of them are currently receiving intensive medical care due to broken bones,” Hermawan stated in an official release in Jakarta.
In addition to his thanks to the Minister, Hermawan also extended his gratitude to Pung Nugroho Saksono, Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), and the Quick Reaction Unit Team of the HIU BIRU 002 Patrol Vessel in Batam.
He also acknowledged the leadership and coordination of Mr. Semuel Sandi Rundupadang, S.St.Pi., M.Si, Head of PSDKP Batam, Colonel Rudi Endratmoko from the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) of KN Tanjung Datu 301, Selamet Riyadi, Head of Basarnas Tanjung Pinang, and Sugeng Riyono, Head of the PLP Base in Tanjung Uban with KN Rantos and their respective teams.
Other contributors to the successful rescue operation include the Head of the UPP Office in Tanjung Uban, Marine Police of Bintan, Commander of the Navy Post in Bintan, Port Quarantine officials, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM). The combined efforts led to the safe evacuation of the KM. Facific Memory II crew onto the Liberian-flagged vessel Andros Spirit.
Owner Recounts the Incident
According to Hermawan, the disaster unfolded when the KM. Facific Memory II, carrying 30 crew members, was struck by the Cosco Development tanker. The fishing vessel quickly began to sink, leaving all crew floating for hours in open waters.
“Based on news reports from Singapore, the tanker fled the scene without stopping to help the victims,” he said.
Hermawan reported that the incident inflicted not only physical and psychological trauma on the crew but also resulted in substantial material and immaterial losses. Two crew members suffered serious injuries and are still under treatment.
He emphasized that the incident warrants serious legal consequences and has filed a civil and criminal lawsuit at the relevant District Court against both the captain and the owner of the Cosco Development.
“They must be held accountable under Indonesian Law No. 17 of 2008 on Shipping, the Indonesian Penal Code (KUHP), and other applicable regulations,” Hermawan asserted.
“I hope the tanker captain turns himself in and brings the vessel to justice. If not, law enforcement should pursue extradition,” he concluded.
Let me know if you’d like a visual map of the incident location, a timeline of the rescue, or a legal analysis of the case.
