Banda Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA) – Joint search-and-rescue teams are searching for a 60-year-old fisherman reported missing in the Malacca Strait off Idi Cut, East Aceh District, Aceh Province, police said.
East Aceh Police Water and Air Police Unit Chief Adjunct Commissioner Ade Candra said the missing fisherman was Abdul Mutalib, a resident of Alue Ie Itam Village, Peudawa Subdistrict.
“Abdul Mutalib was reported missing on Wednesday night (October 28) while fishing with 25-year-old Sawalludin in a small motorized boat,” he said here Monday.
Ade said the incident occurred about three nautical miles off Idi Cut beach when the boat’s steering mechanism broke as the two men headed back to Peudawa.
Mutalib then dived beneath the boat to repair the steering mechanism. After fixing it, he climbed back aboard.
However, strong winds and waves caused Mutalib to fall into the sea. Sawalludin tried to rescue him, but strong currents swept their boat farther away.
Mutalib was swept away by the current. Sawalludin survived and reached shore near Alue Dua Muka O Village in Idi Rayeuk Subdistrict at about 1 a.m.
“Search operations are continuing with the involvement of relevant agencies to locate the victim. The search has entered its fifth day,” Ade said.
Ade urged residents, particularly fishermen, to immediately alert authorities if they spotted any signs of the missing man.
“We urge fishermen to monitor weather and sea conditions and ensure they have adequate safety equipment before going out to sea,” Ade said.
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Translator: M.Haris SA, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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