Timika SAR searches for missing boat in Atuka waters

Timika - The Timika Search and Rescue (SAR) Office is conducting a search for a fishing boat reported to have lost contact while fishing in the Atuka waters, Central Mimika District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua.

The Head of the Operations and SAR Readiness Sub-Section in Timika, Charles Y. Batlajery, stated on Saturday that a joint SAR team, consisting of Timika SAR rescuers and the victims’ families, has been deployed using a 600 PK rigid buoyancy boat (RBB) to conduct the search in the area.

“The joint SAR team has headed to the location in the Atuka waters to carry out the search,” he said.

According to reports received by Timika SAR, the boat and four fishermen had been fishing in the area since Tuesday (23/06) and were scheduled to return on Thursday (25/06).

The families were able to communicate with one of the victims on Wednesday (24/06), during which they stated they would return on Thursday (25/06).

However, by the promised date, the fishermen had not yet returned, and the families were no longer able to reach the victims via telephone.

Out of concern, the victims’ families and local residents attempted to conduct their own search but were unsuccessful in locating the fishermen.

The families subsequently reported the incident to the Timika SAR team to conduct a joint search for the victims.