Man Missing While Searching for Seaweed in Rote Ndao Found Dead

A man named Alexander Bola (66) was found dead after going missing while searching for seaweed at Mulut Seribu Beach, Daiama Village, Landu Leko District, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Alexander’s body was discovered on Thursday (20/8/2026) at around 07.15 Wita.

“The joint SAR team managed to find the victim deceased, approximately 200 metres from the initial location,” said the Head of the Kupang Class A Search and Rescue Office, Mexianus Bekabel, to detikBali on Thursday.

Mexianus explained that the victim was found floating during the second day of the search operation. The victim was then evacuated and handed over to the family for burial.

“Although the victim was found deceased, the entire evacuation process was carried out safely, quickly, and in accordance with procedure,” Mexianus explained.

Previously, Alexander was reported missing on Wednesday (19/8/2026). The incident began when Alexander departed for a seaweed cultivation site at Mulut Seribu Beach on Tuesday (18/8/2026) at around 08.00 Wita. However, Alexander did not return home until nightfall.

The family then attempted to conduct a search independently, but without success. The incident was subsequently reported to the Rote Ndao SAR Alert Unit for further handling through a SAR operation.

“The incident report was received at around 00.05 Wita from a resident,” Mexianus explained.