KBRN, Labuan Bajo: The Labuan Bajo Class III Harbormaster and Port Authority Office has temporarily suspended sailing activities in response to extreme weather conditions in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara.

“This temporary closure applies to all waters in West Manggarai,” said Stephanus Risdiyanto, head of the Labuan Bajo Class III Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as reported by Antara.

He explained that the sailing ban was issued through a Notice to Mariners (NtM) dated December 29, warning of potential extreme weather. The decision was based on wave-height data released by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) on the same day.

“The sailing permit service for all tourist vessels, including speedboats, is temporarily closed until the weather improves,” Stephanus said.

He urged ship captains to ensure their vessels were seaworthy and seek shelter during bad weather. Captains were also instructed to notify other ships of potential hazards, anchor or moor in areas protected from high waves and strong currents, and keep crews and engines on standby.

He emphasized the importance of coordinating with the Harbormaster and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) if conditions worsen.

Extreme weather has already caused fatalities in the area.

On Friday night, December 26, the motorboat Putri Sakinah sank in the Padar Island Strait within Komodo National Park after experiencing engine failure and being struck by high waves. Four people died in the incident, while seven others survived. ***