18-Year-Old Youth in Kupang Found Dead After Being Swept Away by Manusak River Current

Domingus de Jesus Frias, 18, a resident of Hamlet 02, Manusak Village, East Kupang District, Kupang Regency, was found dead after being swept away by flash flooding in the Manusak River on Sunday, 8 March.

The tragedy occurred when the victim went out to herd livestock in Manusak Village at approximately 15:00 local time. The weather at the time was reported to be heavy rainfall, which triggered the river to overflow.

Mexianus Bekabel, Head of the Kupang Search and Rescue Office (SAR), explained that the victim was presumed swept away whilst attempting to cross the river to return home.

“Based on information received, at approximately 15:00 local time the victim went out to herd livestock in Manusak Village. When attempting to return from the herding location and crossing the Manusak River at approximately 16:00 local time, the victim was presumed swept away by the river current, which was overflowing due to heavy rainfall,” said Mexianus on Monday, 9 March.

Initial search efforts were conducted by family members together with local residents and village officials from the afternoon onwards. However, due to difficult terrain conditions and approaching darkness, the victim was not found.

The family eventually reported the incident to Kupang Search and Rescue Office through the East Kupang District Military Liaison Officer, Manuel Amaral, at 19:45 local time.

In response to the report, Kupang Search and Rescue Office immediately dispatched a rescue team comprising 10 personnel at 20:10 local time.

Using two rescue vehicles of D-Max type and supporting search and rescue equipment, the team arrived at the scene at 20:54 local time.

Upon arrival at the scene, the search and rescue team immediately coordinated with the family and relevant authorities to map the search area. Ground sweeps along the river course were conducted amid nighttime conditions.

After several hours of intensive searching, the combined team’s efforts finally yielded results. The victim was found on Monday morning at approximately 00:45 local time.

“The victim was finally found on Monday at 00:45 local time approximately 200 metres from the incident location in a deceased state,” Mexianus continued.

After being evacuated from the river course, Domingus’s body was immediately taken to Naibonat General Hospital, Kupang Regency, for further medical handling before being handed over to the family.

This search and rescue operation was declared complete after the victim was found, involving synergy between the Search and Rescue Team, Military Liaison Officer, village officials, and local residents.