Cargo Ship Hits Reef, Sinks in Indonesia

Indonesian Coast Guard A 1980-built general cargo ship KM Bunga Melati XV sank in the port of Tagulandang in Indonesia in the afternoon on March 22, local media reports. The vessel, owned by Pertamina Persero, reportedly hit a reef while approaching the ports dock and suffered a breach in its hull. The ship subsequently started taking on water and partially sank. At the time of the incident the Panamanian-flagged vessel was loaded with a cargo of some 2,400 tons of cement. KM Bunga Melati XV, manned by 18 crew members, was on its way from Tarjun Batulicin. All crew members were taken to safety, and there were no reports of pollution at the site. Relevant authorities launched an investigation into the sinking which is affecting the traffic at the site. World Maritime News Staff