Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Yason Mingotu, a 42-year-old fisher from Alor District, East Nusa Tenggara, who had gone missing since December 26, 2023, was found safe after being stranded in Tanibar District, Timor-Leste.

"The victim was found in a safe condition. He was stranded in the waters of Tanibar District, Timor-Leste," Head of the Maumere Search and Rescue (SAR) Office Supriyanto Ridwan noted in a statement here on Friday.

According to Ridwan, Mingotu was found by a fisherman in the Tanibar area.

He explained that after receiving the information, the SAR team immediately coordinated with local officials and the Indonesian Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste, to conduct the search operation.

The Indonesian Embassy in Timor-Leste has communicated with the Tanibar District resident, who found the victim.

According to information from Francelino Pereira Boavidan, a Tanibar fisherman who found the victim, the machine of the boat ridden by Mingotu was damaged.

The victim was also found in a weak state, as his necessities on the boat had run out.

Related news: BMKG holds SLCN to educate fishers, ensure safety on seas

Boavidan then took Mingotu to his house to stay temporarily until the repatriation process was completed.

Ridwan thanked the officials of Kolana Utara Village, East Alor, Alor District, who had assisted in the SAR operations and the coordination with Tanibar residents.

Earlier, it was reported that a fisherman named Yason Mingotu did not return from fishing in the waters of Kolana Utara Village, on Tuesday (December 26).

He was supposed to return the next day, or on Wednesday (December 27).

On Thursday, the Maumere SAR Office was still looking for Mingotu. Ridwan said, his family had attempted to look for him until they eventually reported the incident to the Alor Search and Rescue Post.

Ridwan's team had also gone 120 km from the Alor SAR Post to search for Mingotu.

Related news: Disbursement of subsidized fuel for fishermen must be efficient: KSP

Translator: Benediktus J, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2023