Indonesian Rescue Team Evacuates Ill Russian Tanker Captain

Cilegon, Banten, Indonesia – An Indonesian joint search and rescue (SAR) team successfully evacuated the captain of a Russian tanker, identified as Shushkin, 41, after he became seriously ill while sailing near Tempurung Island, off the coast of Cilegon, Banten Province, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Emergency Response and Evacuation

The Banten Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) initiated the evacuation after receiving an emergency report from the tanker Elisabeth’s crew at 3:18 p.m. Local time. Rizky Dwianto, Duty and Operations officer for Basarnas Banten, stated that the captain required immediate medical attention. Antara News reported the deployment of the rescue vessel KN SAR Tetuka to the location.

The KN SAR Tetuka arrived at the scene, approximately 14.65 nautical miles from the shore, at 9:18 p.m. Local time. Rescuers carefully maneuvered the vessel alongside the Elisabeth to safely transfer the captain. The evacuation was completed at 9:36 p.m., and the captain was transported to Bandar Bakau Jaya pier in Cilegon before being rushed to Bethsaida Hospital for intensive care. Jawawa.id confirmed these details.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

The rescue operation involved a coordinated effort between several agencies, including personnel from the Banten SAR Office, the National Police’s water and air unit, Banten regional police, the health quarantine authority, and Cilegon immigration office. Indonesia’s Sea and Coast Guard unit (KPLP) too provided maritime support. Voi.id highlighted the synergy between these various elements.

Weather Conditions and Current Status

Despite cloudy weather conditions, Rizky Dwianto confirmed that the evacuation proceeded smoothly without significant obstacles. The captain’s current health condition is under the supervision of the medical team at Bethsaida Hospital. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific nature of the captain’s illness.