The 3,600-dwt Java Bonitos (built 2007) suffered three blasts in its engine room on 15 August while transiting the Bankga Strait off southern Sumatra, local reports said.

The captain ordered the crew of 21 to jump into the sea from the stern of the vessel, which is operated by Jalur Anugerah of Jakarta.

Salvors were waiting for the hull to cool before attempting to tow the wreck into port.

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