Indonesian training vessel rescued

THE recent multimillion kina upgrade in safety and security by PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNG Ports) has rescued an Indonesian military training vessel.
According to PNG Ports, the KRI Bima Suci sent an emergency distress call which was picked up by a PNG Ports vessel tracking services team around 5pm on Aug 15.
PNG Ports managing director Fego Kiniafa said clearance processes were initiated immediately and the vessel was remotely guided through the Basilisk Passage and into safe anchorage within the Fairfax Harbour.
“Distress calls from ships require the most urgent response but our restrictions in place surrounding Covid-19 made the situation different,” Kiniafa said.
“No gangway is to be deployed upon berthing, no crew is allowed to disembark and no personnel is allowed to board.
“The vessel reportedly did not carry any charts for Port Moresby and its approaches, imposed risks in attempting the Basilisk Passage, and also at night (around 9pm).
“Our team on night shift at Motukea swiftly provided the vessel crew GPS waypoints and monitored via CCVT systems to ensure it safely manoeuvred through the Basilisk Passage and anchored within the harbour, all without a mandatory marine pilot on board.”