Head of the Timika Search and Rescue Office George L. Mercy Randang stated that the SAR officers along with the marine police and Naval personnel were actively looking for the missing crew members for six days, though the efforts had yet to reap results.
The search efforts began from the location where MV Uty Star was hit by huge waves until the site where a surviving crew member of the boat was found.
"Until now, the results are still nil," he revealed.
Related news: SAR team continues search for sunken vessel's crew
In line with the existing regulation, a search operation is generally conducted until a week.
The Search and Rescue Office also sought assistance from the Yohanis Kapiyau Timika Air Force Base and Air Nav Timika to inform the Search and Rescue Office if they spotted any signs of the missing crew members during aerial monitoring.
"We are also hopeful of the community’s assistance on the coast if they see or find victims or signs of the victims' presence. Hopefully, they would help inform the Timika SAR office," he remarked.
MV Uty Star, with seven crew members onboard, reportedly sank in the waters near Yapero Island, Mimika Far East District, on Tuesday (Feb 16) evening, after being hit by waves reaching a height of over three meters.
A passenger of the ill-fated boat was found safe by the crew of an oil ship around the waters of Agimuga on the night of Wednesday (Feb 17) at around 23:00 WIT. At that time, the victim, perched onto an old tire, was afloat in the waters. Related news: Search operation launched to locate two boat passengers in Maluku
Translator: Fardah Assegaf
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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