Biak Police Chief: Joint SAR Team Searches for WWII Bomb Blast Victims

Jayapura - Biak Numfor Police Chief AKBP Ari Trestiawan said the joint search and rescue (SAR) team is still searching for three Biak residents reported missing after a World War II bomb explosion.

‘The search is currently concentrated on the outer perimeter, specifically the coastline, as the area around the crime scene is still deemed unsafe,’ Ari said on Monday.

He added that the crime scene remains unsafe, so the search is focused around the coast.

Ari stated that the search is ongoing because three people remain missing: Yulianus Raubaba (26), Lae Madura (45), and Abis Marandof (27).

At the site of Sunday’s (31/5) explosion, Ari said it has not been accessed yet as authorities wait for the Gegana Brimob Papua Police bomb disposal team to sterilise the area.

Once declared safe, the joint SAR team comprising personnel from Basarnas, Biak Numfor Police, Biak Kodim, and other relevant parties will conduct searches around the crime scene.

‘Criminal investigators will also process the crime scene,’ said Biak Numfor Police Chief AKBP Ari Trestiawan.

He explained the World War II bomb explosion that occurred on Sunday afternoon (31/5) at around 14:45 WIT at the fishing complex on Walter Monginsidi Street, Fandoi Village, Biak, also caused five fatalities.

The five victims were Deflin Raubaba (41), Moris Raubaba (24), Karmila Ayorbaba (25), Israel Raubaba (7), and Isril Raubaba (5).