Three people have been arrested for their alleged roles in the sinking of passenger ferry KMP Yunicee off the coast of Bali in June, which killed at least 11 people.
The ferry was headed for Bali’s Gilimanuk Port from Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java, on June 29. The accident occurred when KMP Yunicee tried to dock but was swept away by tides and tipped over to the side, before it started sinking.
Though initial reports suggested different numbers, authorities later said 77 people were on board the ferry. Fifty-one people were rescued, but 11 people died and 15 others were declared missing.
During a press conference this week, Yassin Kosasih from the National Police said the ship captain, identified by his initials IS, has already been detained in Banyuwangi.
“The captain of the ship did not perform his role to provide safety which resulted in loss of life and property,” Yassin said.
NW and RMS, branch head of the ferry company and an official from the Ketapang Port, respectively, have also been named as suspects.
“Based on legal facts there is a strong suspicion that both suspects had a role in the sinking of KMP Yunicee,” Yassin said.
According to I Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana from the Bali Police, KMP Yunicee had been traveling at over-capacity. It should have only loaded about 35 tons of cargo, but ended up transporting nearly 230 tons.
