search and rescue Efforts Continue for ATR 42-500 Crash Victims in South Sulawesi
Table of Contents
A joint search and rescue (SAR) team remains stationed on Bulusaraung Hill in teh Maros-Pangkep Regency of South Sulawesi, focused on recovering victims and debris from the wreckage of an ATR 42-500 aircraft. The team established a base camp with tents near the site where the aircraft’s tail section and a body were discovered.
Challenging Conditions Hamper Evacuation
Evacuation efforts are currently stalled due to inclement weather and the treacherous terrain surrounding the crash site. According to reports from the Makassar SAR Office, heavy rain, strong winds, and dense fog are severely limiting visibility, making it unsafe to proceed with the full-scale recovery operation. despite these obstacles, the SAR team is continuing to secure the area and conduct preliminary identification of recovered items near the fuselage while awaiting improved conditions.
The location’s steep slopes,rising to over 1,000 meters above sea level,present a significant challenge to the ongoing search and rescue operations. A senior official stated that evacuation plans are being developed with two primary approaches: a land-based operation utilizing ropes and stretchers, and potential air evacuation via helicopter, contingent on favorable weather and the identification of a secure landing zone.
Aircraft Details and Passenger Manifest
The ATR 42-500, registered as PK-THT, was reported missing before being located less than 24 hours later on Sunday morning. Updated flight manifest data indicates the aircraft was carrying a total of 10 individuals, including the flight crew. Among the passengers were three employees of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP): Ferry Irawan, a supervisory ship analyst; Deden Mulyana, a state property manager; and Yoga Naufal, an aerial photography operator.
One Victim Recovered, Ongoing Coordination
As of 2:20 PM local time (WITA) on Sunday, a joint team successfully evacuated one male victim from a ravine approximately 200 meters deep near the peak of Bulusaraung Hill. The victim was transported via a climbing route for formal identification.
Basarnas is coordinating closely with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and other relevant agencies to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the operation. The primary focus remains the safety of personnel involved in the rescue efforts and the swift, respectful evacuation of all aircraft victims.
Why did the crash happen? The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The aircraft, an ATR 42-500 registered as PK-THT, went missing and was located on Sunday morning on Bulusaraung Hill in South Sulawesi.
who was involved? A total of ten individuals were on board, including the flight crew and three employees of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: Ferry Irawan, Deden Mulyana, and Yoga Naufal. The search and rescue operation involves a joint team from Basarnas, TNI, Polri, and other relevant agencies.
What happened? The ATR 42-500 crashed on Bulusaraung hill.As of Sunday afternoon, one male victim had been recovered from a 200-meter ravine. Evacuation of additional victims and debris is hampered by severe weather and challenging terrain.
How did it end? While the full recovery operation is ongoing and the cause of the crash is still being investigated, the aircraft has been located, and one victim has been recovered.The search continues, with plans for both land-based and potential air evacuation, dependent on weather conditions. The focus remains on safely recovering all victims and determining the cause of the accident.
