Batam - An Indonesian-flagged King Richard X Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) dredger sank in the Batu Ampar anchor area, Batam, Sunday (13/12). The Ministry of Transportation has also implemented an oil boom to minimize pollution.

Director of the Sea and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP) of the Ministry of Transportation Ahmad reported that four crew members were on the ship when it sank. The four of them have been evacuated by KRI Beladau and questioned.

"As a result of this incident, there were no reported fatalities. Currently, an investigation is still being carried out by asking the crew for information regarding the cause of the sinking of the ship," he said in written writing, Tuesday (15/12).

The incident started because of a leak that caused the ship to tilt up to 5 degrees. When the slope reached 12 degrees, the crew was immediately evacuated.

The ship then sank at position 01 ° 09 '30' 'N / 103 ° 56' 48 E from 23.00 to 00.00 WIB. The ship was still in the water and has been installed for immediate evacuation.

The Ministry of Transportation's Directorate General of Sea Transportation Quick Reaction Team has deployed four fleets to minimize marine pollution due to oil spills.

"This must be done immediately in order to anticipate wider oil pollution in the sea, given that Batam's location is directly near Singapore, handling must include the rescue of the TSHD King Richard X ship so that the oil spill can be localized and handled properly," he explained.