KM.UMSINI

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Ferries converted to COVID-19 isolation centers

Indonesia is converting dive inter-island passenger-cargo ferry into COVID-19 isolation centers as part of an ongoing attempt to contain the Delta variant of COVID-19. The government plans to expand its efforts with the ferries as the next phase of the efforts to slow the spread of the virus and provide more facilities to threat the sick. In the port city of Makassar in South Sulawesi, authorities have reconfigured the KM 'Umsini' into a floating isolation center for patients who test positive for COVID-19 but project mild or no symptoms. The goal was to contain the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant. The vessel which normally accommodates 1,600 passengers and cargo is now serving as an isolation center with 800 beds and 60 medical workers attending to COVID-19 patients. Features installed aboard the vessel were designed to support the implementation of self-isolation, such as the provision of surveillance cameras, polyclinics and jogging tracks with the top deck being converted to an open space for exercising or sunbathing. Patients also have ability to listen to music and participate in fishing from the ship’s deck to pass their time while in quarantine. The state-owned PT PELNI (Persero) which operates the ferries committed to make available another four passenger ships to serve as floating isolation locations, including the KM 'Tatamailau', which will dock at Bitung, KM 'Bukit Raya' at Belawan port, KM 'Sirimau' at Sorong port and KM 'Tidar' at Jayapura port. The four ships will make available a total of 906 beds for COVID-19 patients and 23 beds for medical personnel. All ships will be sterilized and equipped with supporting facilities for the implementation of floating isolation by the local government and agencies in order to meet the standards as an independent isolation location as determined by the Ministry of Health as has been done at KM Umsini in Makassar.

Engine damage off Indonesian coast

The "Umsini" suffered engine faulure on May 10, 2018, in the waters off Maumere in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. The port side engine suddenly malfunctioned and so the ferry had to continue sailing using only one engin at a much slower speed so it was delayed for 36 hours. The vessel safely arrived at the port of Lorens Say Maumere on May 11. The shipping company organized buses to transport the passengers to their original destinations.