Tenggarong – PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) successfully evacuated seven fishermen who had been adrift in the waters of the Makassar Strait for two days after their vessel suffered severe engine failure. When rescued on Thursday, 9 April 2026, the fishermen and their boat were located approximately two miles (3.2 kilometers) from the coastal area of Muara Keili Village, Tani Baru Village, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan. Their boat engine broke down in the GTS-Q offshore area while they were traveling from Samarinda to Sepatin.

After the engine failed, the fishermen attempted to find a mobile signal to call for help, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Two days later, at around 7:00 PM WITA, information about their situation reached PHM’s security patrol team on duty. Although the fishermen’s coordinates were outside the routine patrol area, the Company’s security team promptly took action by coordinating with the Maritime and Marine units. Approval for a search operation was immediately granted on humanitarian grounds.

Using the Ruhen 27 patrol vessel, PHM’s security personnel conducted a search covering a two-square-kilometer radius. After one hour, the patrol team successfully located the drifting fishing boat. The team then secured the vessel and evacuated all fishermen to Muara Ilo Village for further assistance and a safer environment.

PHM General Manager, Setyo Sapto Edi, expressed his gratitude for the successful evacuation. “We are grateful that all seven fishermen were found safe, despite being adrift at sea with limited food and water supplies,” he said. He added that this rescue effort reflects the Company’s social responsibility and strong safety culture, which protects both its personnel and the surrounding communities.

At PHM, security personnel are well-trained and always prepared to handle emergencies, ensure precise coordination, and comply with maritime safety standards. “For us, safety is an absolute value that knows no operational boundaries. What our team demonstrated in the field reflects a strong commitment to the safety of operations, communities, and the environment,” Setyo emphasized.

PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) in zona 8, managing upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the Mahakam Working Area, East Kalimantan. As a Production Sharing Contract Contractor for the Indonesian Government, represented by SKK Migas, PHM, along with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, continues to implement innovations and technological applications to deliver safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly energy to support the sustainability of national oil and gas production and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. More information about PHM and PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.