A viral video claiming that a crew member fell overboard in the Singapore Strait near Batam has sparked widespread concern and confusion. The video, featuring a warning issued via VTS radio, led to investigations by local authorities and Basarnas, the Indonesian search and rescue agency.
The video, which circulated on social media, depicted a crew member alerting other ships in the Singapore Strait about a person falling into the sea. Basarnas and other authorities were quick to respond to these claims, investigating their validity.
The video showed a dimly lit ship’s navigation room with a radar screen, where the crew member issued the alert for other vessels to be vigilant and report any suspicious objects.
Despite the viral nature of the video, Batam ferry crew member Udin expressed uncertainty about the incident’s authenticity, unable to confirm whether the individual was a ferry passenger or a fisherman.
Dedius, the Batam Basarnas Commander, reported that no search and rescue operation had been deployed, although the agency had received the information and was monitoring and cross-checking it.
Further investigation revealed that the alleged incident might involve a fisherman, with search efforts focused around Tanjung Memban waters. A KRI vessel was reportedly dispatched to the site.
Read More: Major Crackdown on Illegal Cigarettes by Kepri Customs in Singapore Strait
However, Slamet Riyadi, Head of the Basarnas office in the Riau Islands, labeled the information as a hoax, stating that the incident in the video occurred three months prior and had been confirmed by VTS Batam as untrue.
This incident underlines the importance of verifying information before spreading it, especially in critical situations like maritime safety. It also highlights the responsive nature of maritime authorities in addressing potential emergencies in the busy Singapore Strait.
A video claiming a man fell overboard in the Singapore Strait near Batam went viral, prompting investigations by Basarnas and local authorities. Initial confusion was later clarified by Basarnas, who declared the incident a hoax, emphasizing the need for accurate information dissemination in maritime safety.
Source: Tribun News, Go Kepri (2023)
