Five Komodo National Park waters restricted during extended search

Batu Bolong — The Class III Labuan Bajo Harbormaster and Port Authority extended a temporary restriction on tourist vessel movements and tourism activities in five Komodo National Park waters from 20 to 22 October 2026, while a joint search continued for a passenger missing after the pinisi Feronia sank.

Why it matters: Tourist vessels and tourism activities in five Komodo National Park waters are restricted from 20 to 22 October 2026, from 07:00 to 17:00, during the search.

The restriction applies each day from 07:00 to 17:00 Central Indonesia Time in the waters of Batu Bolong, Mawan, Siaba Kecil, Siaba Besar and Tatawa Kecil, according to a sailing notice issued by the port authority.

The authority extended the measure after the search for Veronica Beatrix Jessica, 23, was prolonged by three days at her family’s request. She was the only person still missing after Feronia sank at Batu Bolong on 13 October.

Feronia was carrying 30 people: 25 passengers and five crew members, including the captain. Twenty-four passengers and all five crew members were evacuated safely to Marina Labuan Bajo, according to reports on the incident.

The search operation had entered its seventh day on 19 October. Authorities said the five waters should be avoided by tourist vessels during the extended operation to support search and rescue work.

Sources

• Detik Bali
• CNN Indonesia