Engine Failure Strikes Fishing Vessel at Seraya Island, Labuan Bajo; Four Fishermen Evacuated

Bad weather forced a fishing vessel to lose engine power in the waters around Seraya Island, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on the afternoon of Wednesday 4 March 2026. Four fishermen were safely evacuated by a joint search-and-rescue (SAR) team.

Maumere SAR Office chief Fathur Rahman explained that the fishing boat had previously departed from Labuan Bajo Marina Port, heading for Seraya Island. The bad weather occurred as the boat arrived at Seraya Island, causing a fuel line fracture and engine failure. The vessel’s captain then requested assistance from Labuan Bajo SAR Post.

“Information from the vessel’s captain is that weather was bad and the engine failed because the fuel line broke and could not be repaired, so the voyage could not be continued,” Fathur said, on Thursday morning (5 March 2026).

The four fishermen on the boat were named Epi Fanus Sebo, Hironimus Paga, Yohanes Dama, and Dami Anus Gaga. They were evacuated to Labuan Bajo. “Yes, they are safe,” Fathur said.

The SAR operation involved personnel from Manggarai Barat SAR Post, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Manggarai Barat, KSOP Manggarai Barat, Polairud of Polda NTT, and KKP Labuan Bajo.