Pertamina Tanker Rescue: 16 Survivors Rescued After Ship Sinks in Java Sea – Maritime Disaster Response Efforts” Keywords: “Pertamina tankers, Java Sea shipwreck, maritime rescue, Pertamina oil company, Indonesia ship disaster, rescue operations, oil tanker accident.

MT Mauhau Diverts Route in Java Sea After KMP Virgo Transport 08 Sinks

The maritime emergency unfolded on a Sunday as the MT Mauhau was actively navigating a route from Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan toward Tuban in East Java. While underway, the ship’s crew intercepted information regarding a vessel sinking near their planned coordinates via VHF radio. According to PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Vice President of Corporate Communication, Kitty Andhora, the vessel’s personnel acted without hesitation.

“After learning that a vessel had sunk near its route, the MT Mauhau’s captain and crew immediately responded by heading to the site and helping evacuate the victims,” Kitty Andhora stated in Jakarta on Sunday.

By the time initial operations concluded on the water, the tanker’s crew had successfully brought 16 individuals aboard. This total included the captain of the sunken KMP Virgo Transport 08. While most survivors escaped the immediate trauma without severe physical harm, one rescued individual sustained a leg injury and required direct medical attention from the MT Mauhau crew members while still at sea.

Coordinated Multi-Vessel Rescue and Shoreline Emergency Response

Maritime rescue operations rarely rely on a single actor, and the Java Sea incident saw rapid coordination between commercial shipping and dedicated search and rescue units. As the MT Mauhau worked to secure survivors, the ship’s leadership established active communication channels with the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office, which mobilized its own teams toward the accident site.

Additional commercial and transport vessels, including the TB TCP 205 and the KMP Haidar, converged on the area to bolster the rescue effort. Meanwhile, support infrastructure mobilized along the coast. The Banjarmasin port established an emergency post, local hospitals went on active alert to receive potential casualties, and Surabaya’s SAR division deployed both a helicopter and a dedicated vessel to scour the area for any remaining missing persons.

Highlighting the corporate responsibility behind the rapid response, Kitty Andhora emphasized the dedication shown by the shipboard personnel.

“After receiving information that a vessel had sunk, the MT Mauhau’s captain and crew immediately took steps to assist the rescue. Saving lives is our top priority and we are grateful that 16 people have been evacuated,” Kitty said.

Onboard Care and Ongoing Coordination With SAR Authorities

Beyond the initial retrieval from the Java Sea, the crew of the MT Mauhau turned their attention to the immediate welfare of the 16 survivors sheltering on the tanker. While awaiting secondary transport and final evacuation to shore, personnel distributed food, drinking water, and other essential provisions to stabilize the rescued passengers.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga maintained active communication channels with the Banjarmasin SAR Office as daylight waned and search operations continued across the wider disaster zone.

“We continue to coordinate with the Banjarmasin SAR Office and all parties involved. Our focus is ensuring the rescued passengers receive proper care and supporting the search for others,” Kitty said.