Timika SAR searches for missing boat in Atuka waters

The Timika Search and Rescue (SAR) Office is conducting a search for a fishing boat reported missing whilst fishing in the waters of Atuka, Mimika Tengah District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua. Head of the Operations and Alert Sub-Section of Timika SAR, Charles Y Batlajery, said on Saturday that a joint SAR team comprising Timika SAR rescuers and family members had been deployed using a rigid buoyancy boat (RBB) 600 PK to search the area. “The joint SAR team has headed to the location in Atuka waters to conduct the search,” he said. According to the report received by Timika SAR, the boat with four fishermen departed to fish in the area on Tuesday (23/6) and was scheduled to return on Thursday (25/6). The family last communicated with one of the victims on Wednesday (24/6), during which they confirmed they would return on Thursday (25/6). However, by the promised date, the fishermen had not returned, and the family could no longer reach the victims’ telephone numbers. Out of concern, the victims’ families and local residents attempted a search but were unable to find them. The family subsequently reported the incident to the Timika SAR office to conduct a joint search for the victims.