Overview
- Authorities confirmed this week’s arrests of the KM Putri Sakinah captain and the 23-year-old chief engineer, who are being held in West Manggarai district.
- The December 26 sinking near Padar Island left three members of a Valencian family dead and one 10-year-old child missing, with seven people rescued.
- Police say the 52-year-old captain was not at the helm at the time and had handed control to the engineer, who lacked the legal permits to command the vessel.
- Investigators interviewed 18 witnesses and reviewed expert reports before closing the probe and transferring the file to the regional prosecutor; a trial date has not been set.
- Initial statements pointed to engine failure, though authorities later noted a possible unusual marine phenomenon producing large waves as a contributing factor.