Banda Aceh (ANTARA) – Indonesian authorities on Friday called off a seven-day search for a Malaysian tourist who went missing while diving off Weh Island in Aceh province, after finding no trace of him.
The joint search and rescue (SAR) operation for Ho Wee Han, 49, was terminated following a joint evaluation, said Ibnu Harris Al Hussain, head of the Banda Aceh office of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).
“The search yielded no results through the seventh day. Based on an evaluation among the SAR elements involved, the operation has been terminated, and personnel will return to their respective agencies,” Al Hussain said. He added that the case could be reopened if new clues emerge.
Ho was reported missing on Sept. 11 while diving in the waters of Shark Plateau near Selako Island in Iboih village, Sabang.
According to officials, Ho was diving with three companions at a depth of about 20 meters when strong underwater currents dragged the group down to 30 meters.
A 30-minute surface search by the dive guide yielded no results before authorities were notified.
Search operations spanned a 12-kilometer radius on the surface, while divers searched underwater depths between 40 and 50 meters.
Adverse weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, and 1.5-meter waves, temporarily halted efforts earlier in the week.
The multi-agency search involved nearly 90 personnel from Basarnas, the Indonesian Navy, local police, 40 rescue divers, and 17 local fishermen.
Translator: M.Haris, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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