Fisherman Reported Missing After Falling Overboard in Batam Waters

A joint SAR team is conducting a search operation for a fisherman named Jafaar (50), who is believed to have fallen overboard and gone missing in the waters off Tanjung Budus, Galang Island, Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri).

Head of the Tanjungpinang SAR Office, Fazzli, stated that the victim was reported missing on Thursday (18/6) at around 16:00 WIB. “The incident report was conveyed by the victim’s relative through the Tanjungpinang SAR Com Center on Friday (19/6) at 06:45 WIB,” Fazzli said in Tanjungpinang on Friday.

Based on the report, Fazzli explained that the incident began when the victim, Jafaar, went to sea alone using a long boat on Thursday (18/6) at around 13:00 WIB. The victim is a resident of Sembulang Village, Galang District, Batam.

The family, together with the local community, had attempted an independent search, but as of now, Jafaar, who is known to have a history of asthma, has not yet been found.

After receiving the incident report, he said, a Rescue Team from the Tanjungpinang SAR Office, consisting of six personnel, immediately moved to the scene of the incident using a Rigid Buoyancy Boat (RBB).

The first day of the search operation involves joint SAR elements from the Tanjungpinang SAR Office, the Kepri Regional Police’s Directorate of Water Police, the Barelang Municipal Police Water Unit, and the Galang Police Sector.

In addition to law enforcement officers and the rescue team, local fishermen and residents are working together to comb the water area to expedite the discovery of the victim.

“Further developments regarding the results of this joint operation will be provided periodically,” Fazzli said.