Fisherman Found Dead in Batang Toru River After Five-Day Search
A joint search and rescue (SAR) team has discovered the body of Abdul Batoran Sihombing (53), a fisherman swept away by the Batang Toru River in Hutapea village, Tarutung subdistrict, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra. He was found dead on Thursday (28/5) after a five-day search.
Hery Marantika, head of the Class A Search and Rescue Office in Medan, stated that the body was found at approximately 1:28 PM WIB, 1.8 kilometres from the initial location where he was reported swept away.
“The body was subsequently evacuated and handed over to the family for burial. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” he said on Thursday (28/5).
The incident began when Abdul was fishing with a companion along the Batang Toru River on Sunday (24/5) around 2:00 PM WIB. He is believed to have slipped and been swept away by the strong current.
The victim’s companion reported the incident to his family, who then notified the Danau Toba SAR post that night. According to Hery, the search operation was conducted jointly from the first night the report was received.
The joint SAR team employed various search methods, including surface river patrols, thermal drone surveillance, Aqua Eye underwater detection equipment, and land-based scouting along the riverbanks.
“All units worked to their maximum capacity from the first night of the operation until the victim was found,” Hery said.
The search operation involved multiple parties, including Danau Toba SAR personnel, Tarutung police, North Tapanuli Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), North Tapanuli Indonesian White Water Rafting Federation (FAJI), local village officials, and community members and the victim’s family.
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