DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – A joint search and rescue team evacuated the body of a Chinese crew member who died aboard a cargo vessel while sailing through the Badung Strait near Bali on Tuesday morning (July 14).
The deceased was identified as Zhang Wenli, 47, a crew member of the MV Shandong De Yu, which was traveling from China to Australia.
Denpasar Search and Rescue Office Chief I Nyoman Sidakarya said authorities received a report from the vessel’s local shipping agent, PT Benoa Trans Cakrawala Perkasa, on Monday (July 13) at around 10:47 p.m. WITA.
“A joint SAR team carried out the evacuation of the body of MV Shandong De Yu crew member Zhang Wenli from China,” Sidakarya said.
According to information provided by the vessel, Zhang was pronounced dead at around 9:00 a.m. WITA while the ship was sailing through the Badung Strait.
Preliminary information indicates the crew member experienced health problems, including shortness of breath, before he died.
Following the report, the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office coordinated with the ship’s operator and local agent to arrange an offshore transfer.
Authorities agreed on an interception point approximately 4.18 nautical miles from Benoa Port, where the evacuation would take place.
The operation also involved coordination with the Benoa Port Authority (KSOP), the Port Health Office (BBKK), and the vessel’s local agent.
At 6:55 a.m. WITA on Tuesday, a rescue team consisting of four Denpasar SAR personnel, one representative from the shipping agent, and one BBKK officer departed Benoa Port aboard RIB 02 Denpasar.
“Fifteen minutes later, the team reached MV Shandong De Yu. The ship’s crew transferred the body, which was then transported to Benoa Port,” Sidakarya explained.
The joint rescue team returned to Benoa Port at approximately 7:55 a.m. WITA.
The body was subsequently transported by ambulance to Prof. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar for further handling.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the exact cause of death.