Fishermen adrift for hours after Hong Kong-flagged tanker allegedly flees crash site in Riau Islands.
Thirty Indonesian fishermen endured hours floating in open water after their vessel was struck and sunk by a Hong Kong-flagged tanker near Bintan. The tanker allegedly fled the scene, prompting Hermawan, the vessel’s owner, to demand justice.
Devastating Collision in Riau Islands Waters
On May 20, 2025, at approximately 3:00 AM WIB, a Hong Kong-flagged tanker, Cosco Development, allegedly collided with an Indonesian fishing boat, KM Facific Memory II, off the northern coast of Berakit, Bintan, in the Riau Islands. The impact caused the fishing vessel to sink with 30 crew members on board.
Hermawan, the owner of KM Facific Memory II, claims the tanker fled the scene immediately after the crash without offering aid to the victims. According to his account and Singapore-based media reports, the crew members were left drifting for hours in the dark, triggering a multi-agency emergency response.
Hours Adrift Before Rescue
The stranded crew, exhausted and traumatized, endured the open sea without support until rescue forces arrived. Indonesian maritime authorities, including the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP RI), PSDKP Batam, and the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), initiated a cross-agency evacuation.
Rescue efforts were successful in saving all 30 fishermen, who were eventually transferred to Andros Spirit, a Liberia-flagged vessel nearby. Two crew members suffered fractures and required intensive medical care, while the others showed signs of extreme fatigue and psychological trauma.
Legal Action and Demands for Accountability
Hermawan is now pursuing legal redress. He has filed a civil lawsuit with the local district court targeting both the captain and the owners of the Cosco Development. His legal team is invoking Indonesia’s Law No. 17 of 2008 on Shipping and relevant articles of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), seeking both civil and criminal penalties.
He emphasized that the incident inflicted not only significant material losses but also deep psychological scars on his crew. “The captain must surrender himself and the ship. If not, legal extradition channels should be urgently enforced,” Hermawan stated in a press release on June 5.
Coordinated Rescue Praised
Despite the tragedy, Hermawan expressed deep gratitude for the swift and coordinated response by national agencies. “Thanks to the quick action of the skilled teams from KKP and other stakeholders, all 30 crew members were safely evacuated,” he said.
The rescue showcased the strength of cross-institutional cooperation during maritime emergencies. Hermawan also praised international collaboration, as the nearby Andros Spirit played a critical role in sheltering the survivors.
Broader Maritime Implications
The incident raises pressing concerns over maritime safety in Southeast Asian waters, especially regarding accountability for foreign-flagged vessels operating near Indonesia’s maritime borders. Hermawan’s pursuit of justice is likely to test the limits of international maritime law and regional enforcement mechanisms.
The Indonesian maritime sector will be watching closely, as the case underscores vulnerabilities in both crew safety and legal recourse when foreign vessels are involved. Calls for stronger bilateral enforcement and enhanced AIS (Automatic Identification System) tracking are expected to intensify.
This maritime collision has not only endangered lives but has spotlighted the urgent need for stronger protections for Indonesian seafarers and more enforceable maritime laws across borders. As legal proceedings unfold, the incident may serve as a precedent in holding foreign vessels accountable within Indonesian waters, reinforcing regional maritime security for both Indonesia and neighboring Singapore.
Sources: TV One News (2025) , Media Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: KM Facific Memory II, Cosco Development, Riau Islands, Hong Kong Vessel, Hermawan Statement
