Fishing boat engine failure leaves Acehnese fisherman stranded in Sri Lanka

The Aceh maritime authority, Panglima Laot Aceh, has reported that a fisherman from Pulo Aceh, Aceh Besar Regency, has been stranded in Sri Lanka after the engine of his motorised fishing boat failed in the Indian Ocean.

Panglima Laot Aceh Miftah Tjut Adek stated in Banda Aceh on Friday that the stranded fisherman, named Sadiqin, is a resident of Meulingge Village, Pulo Aceh District, Aceh Besar Regency.

The fisherman was initially reported missing on 1 February 2026 whilst fishing in a motorised boat commonly known as a “bot teptep”. According to information received, the boat’s engine sustained critical damage, causing the vessel to drift and be carried by Indian Ocean currents all the way to Sri Lanka, where it eventually reached Colombo.

Panglima Laot Aceh has immediately coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Sri Lanka regarding the fisherman’s location and wellbeing. The maritime authority has also reported the incident to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries through the Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance Station (PSDKP) in Lampulo, as well as to Aceh’s Provincial Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office.

“We have reported this incident and are working to facilitate the fisherman’s return home,” said Miftah Tjut Adek.