Serang, Banten (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warns fishermen and barge operators of waves with the height of 2.5 meters in the waters around South Banten, Indian Ocean, and southern part of the Sunda Strait.

Tatang Rusmana, Data and Information Coordinator at BMKG Class I Serang, Banten Province, on Sunday, noted that his office had issued an early warning for the safety of shippers cruising the waters.

He informed that waves with the height of 1.2-2.5 meters were predicted to hit the waters during the January 7-8 period, adding that BMKG issued the warnings for sailors operating in the waters to augment their vigilance to prevent sea accidents.

Rusmana remarked that Banten waters are currently blanketed by bad weather that can endanger fishermen and those working aboard barges.

For that reason, he added, BMKG has asked sailors to ensure a high level of alert while operating in a number of areas, such as Anyer, Carita, Labuan, Panimbang, Cikeusik, Sumur, and Ujung Kulon.

He also urged sailors to beware of waves in the coastal areas of Lebak District in Banten, including Binuangeun, Tanjung Panto, Sukahujan, Panggarangan, Cihara, Bayah, Pulomanuk and Sawarna.

"We hope that sailors will pay attention to the early warning so that they can avoid sea accidents," Rusmana said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Banten Regional Search and Rescue Office Adil Triyanto noted that the SAR efforts were underway for a fisherman reportedly swept away by waves on Tanjung Panto Beach, Lebak District.

The fisherman, while hunting for octopuses, was suddenly struck by high waves on Saturday (January 6) at 11:00 a.m. before going missing.

"We hope that we will find the victim on the second day of search," Triyanto remarked.

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Translator: Mansyur S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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