Balaloho – 19.07.2026: Fishermen in the Selayar Islands off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi have discovered two more survivors of the sinking of the KM Nurul Salsa. According to the operation command, they are a 46-year-old woman and her 24-year-old son. Both were found on the island of Balaloho after having been missing for several days from their relatives and rescue teams.
The discovery on Sunday brings new hope to the ongoing search operation. The woman and her son had been stranded on Balaloho, a small inhabited island in the Selayar archipelago in the province of South Sulawesi. Contrary to initial descriptions, it is therefore not an uninhabited island. No further details were initially released about their condition or the exact length of their stay on the island.
The KM Nurul Salsa had encountered distress west of Polassi Island on Wednesday, 15.07.2026, and subsequently sank. The vessel was travelling from Jampea Island to the port of Benteng on Selayar. According to preliminary investigation findings, the engine failed. The accident occurred around 43 nautical miles, or approximately 79 kilometres, from the destination port.
According to the latest information, there were 78 passengers and crew members on board. On Saturday, 18.07.2026, rescue workers had already recovered five people alive from the sea area, including a seven-year-old girl. The survivors clung to a fishing installation after surviving the sinking with improvised flotation devices. At least one death has been confirmed.
Following the discovery of the two additional survivors, authorities continued searching for 18 missing people. More than 200 personnel are taking part in the operation. In addition to Indonesia’s Basarnas maritime search and rescue agency, the navy, police, local fishermen and island residents have been deployed. Teams are searching the sea area both by ship and from the air.
The work is being hampered by difficult weather conditions. According to the operation command, waves two to three metres high and strong winds were reported in the search area. Authorities are focusing on the waters off the Selayar Islands and possible drift areas. The number of rescued people, deaths and missing persons may still change as the search progresses.
The Selayar Islands lie south of Sulawesi, and many residents depend on ferry and maritime transport. The KM Nurul Salsa route connects smaller islands with the administrative centre of Benteng. Authorities have so far not released any final information on the cause of the engine failure or possible safety shortcomings on board.
Sources
- Associated Press
- Basarnas
- Government of South Sulawesi Province