Two fishing vessels capsize in North Sumatra, one dead, six missing

Two fishing vessels sank off the North Sumatran coast on 23 November 2025 in separate incidents attributed to rough weather. One fisherman has been confirmed dead, while six remain missing as of 27 November.

According to local rescue agencies and media reports, the first incident occurred around 17:00 WIB in the waters near Tanjung Tiram, Batu Bara Regency. A small wooden fishing boat carrying 10 people was struck by strong waves shortly after leaving the coast.

Nine of the occupants were rescued, while one, later identified as Mukhlis (60), a resident of Labuhan Ruku, was initially declared missing. His body was recovered two days later, on 25 November, approximately 18.25 nautical miles from the sinking site.

Later the same night, around 23:00 WIB, a second vessel — KM Jaya Mandiri 5 — capsized near Kuala Tanjung in Asahan Regency. The incident also followed sudden severe weather, including high waves and strong winds.

The boat carried several crew members; six remain missing. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Search and recovery efforts continue

Basarnas Medan (SAR Class A) has led the response, deploying personnel to both locations. In the first case, SAR teams, local police marine units (Ditpolairud), and local fishermen were involved in rescuing survivors.

For the KM Jaya Mandiri 5 incident, SAR efforts remain focused on searching wide areas of open sea. Authorities note that shifting weather patterns and persistent wave activity are complicating operations.

In a statement on 25 November, Hery Marantika, Head of Basarnas Medan, confirmed that all available units are engaged in both surface and shoreline searches. Rubber boats are being used to patrol coastal areas where debris or bodies might wash ashore.

Local disaster-response agencies, such as BPBD Batu Bara, have urged caution among volunteers. Weather forecasts continue to warn of unstable marine conditions in the region.

Local support and community response

Provincial authorities and community leaders have stepped in to offer moral and material support. Surviving crew members and the family of the deceased fisherman received “tali kasih” — a customary form of condolence or assistance provided in the aftermath of a tragedy.

Local fishermen also played a significant role in the rescue of the nine survivors from the first boat. Witnesses reported that neighbouring vessels came to assist shortly after the sinking occurred.

Broader safety concerns in North Sumatra’s waters

These incidents reflect a recurring pattern of maritime accidents in North Sumatra, particularly among small-scale fishermen operating wooden vessels.

Local news outlets have documented several similar accidents in November 2025 alone, highlighting the persistent risks for fishermen who venture out in inadequate vessels, often without safety equipment or up-to-date weather information.

Experts have pointed to a combination of factors increasing vulnerability, including weak enforcement of safety standards, absence of proper vessel inspections, and a lack of emergency equipment such as life jackets or signal beacons.

Additionally, poor access to sheltered harbours and limited maintenance infrastructure further compromise the safety of such vessels.

Calls for improved maritime safety

The latest capsizings have prompted renewed calls for improved safety regulations. Fishing community representatives and maritime observers are urging authorities to implement stricter rules.

Suggested measures include:

• Mandatory vessel registration and regular inspections.

• Distribution and enforcement of safety equipment requirements.

• Enhanced weather forecasting systems and dissemination tools tailored for small fishing communities.

• Training and awareness programmes on maritime risks and emergency response.

While the search continues for the six missing fishermen from KM Jaya Mandiri 5, the incidents have intensified scrutiny of how small fishing operations are protected — or left vulnerable — amid increasingly unpredictable sea conditions.

Authorities have reiterated warnings for all fishermen to monitor official weather updates and avoid venturing out during high-risk conditions.

However, as observers note, economic necessity often compels crews to fish regardless of warnings, highlighting the need for structural support as well as regulation.