Police are examining the crew of the Motor Vessel Nurul Salsa which was carrying dozens of passengers until it was declared sunk in Selayar Waters west of Polassi Island, Bontosikuyu District, Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi.
"We have currently conducted an examination of the captain and crew," said Selayar Islands Police Chief AKBP Didid Imawan when confirmed by journalists, Saturday.
Didid explained that the captain and nine crew members were intensively questioned by investigators from the Pasimasunggu Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Pasimasunggu District, by joint personnel from the Selayar Islands Police BKO, as well as personnel from the
Criminal Investigation Unit and the South Sulawesi Regional Police Water Police Unit.
"This inspection is part of the investigative process to objectively uncover the cause of the accident and ensure that all facts relating to this incident are clearly revealed," he explained.
In addition to the inspection, joint personnel have re-registered the actual number of passengers and matched the manifest data, family reports, and the identities of victims who have been found and those who are still being searched for.
The Police Chief emphasized that the handling of the KM Nurul Salsa disaster was carried out through two simultaneous approaches, namely fully supporting humanitarian operations in the field and conducting an investigation to uncover the cause of the accident.
"Our current focus is assisting the search for victims with all elements of the search and rescue team, while ensuring the investigation is conducted professionally. We are also continuing to verify victim data to ensure the information provided is accurate and accountable," Didid emphasized.
The SAR operation to search for victims of the KLM Nurul Salsa is still ongoing, involving Basarnas, the Indonesian Navy, the Water Police Unit, local governments, volunteers and the local community.
Of the 78 people aboard the KM Nurul Salsa, 52 were found safe, one died, and 25 are still missing after the passenger ship sank at sea.
