Belawan, October 2, 2025 (Agencies) – An Indonesian Navy Sibarau-class patrol vessel, KRI Siliman (848), sank on September 28 after a fire broke out in its engine room while anchored off Belawan, North Sumatra. The vessel was engaged in surveillance operations along the Malacca Strait and had anchored at Buoy 4 in the Belawan channel at approximately 2000 hours local time, according to an incident report shared with defense sources on September 30.
At 2020 hours, crew members detected flames in the engine room and immediately initiated onboard firefighting procedures. Despite their efforts, the blaze intensified, prompting the crew to begin evacuation procedures by 2130 hours. All 21 personnel aboard were successfully rescued by nearby vessels, including tugboats and the Indonesian Navy’s non-commissioned vessel, KAL Tarihu.
The fire continued to spread, reaching the vessel’s bow by 2205 hours, despite firefighting support from tugboats TD Sei Deli III and KT Hang Tuah V. Around this time, KRI Siliman began listing to port by approximately 10 degrees, indicating severe structural compromise.
At 2303 hours, flames re-emerged in the engine room, even after earlier extinguishment efforts. The vessel’s port hull pennant number was observed to be level with the waterline, signaling imminent sinking. The incident has raised concerns over onboard fire safety protocols and the vulnerability of patrol assets during routine maritime operations.
No fatalities were reported, and an investigation is expected to follow to determine the cause of the fire and assess procedural responses. The Indonesian Navy has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the long-term operational impact of the loss.