Two Sikka Fishermen Found Weak After Losing Contact While Sailing to South Sulawesi

Ahmad Junaidi (55) and Jiar Junaidi Mendome (16) were found in a weakened state after drifting in the waters between Sukun Island and Palue Island, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The father and son had previously been reported to have lost contact while sailing towards Karumpa Island, Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi.

The Head of Maumere SAR, Fathert Rahman, revealed that both fishermen were found weak at approximately 12:18 WITA on Sunday (20/09/2026). The joint SAR team initially conducted the search by deploying the KN SAR Puntadewa 250 and a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) from the Maumere SAR Office.

“The discovery location was at coordinates 8° 7’46.38”S - 121°55’47.04”E, approximately 33.3 nautical miles from Wuring Port, Maumere,” said Fathur on Sunday.

Fathur stated that the joint SAR team then moved towards the vessel to conduct an inspection. Based on the identification results, it was confirmed that the two men were Ahmad Junaidi and his son Jiar Junaidi Mendome, who had previously been reported missing.

“After the inspection, it was confirmed that the two fishermen are the father and son who were being searched for. Subsequently, both were evacuated to the KN SAR Puntadewa safely, although they were experiencing slight weakness and dehydration,” Fathur added.

Meanwhile, the fishermen’s vessel was secured by being tied to a fishing buoy near the discovery site. At approximately 17:15 WITA, the joint SAR team and the two victims arrived at Wuring Port, Maumere. The father and son were subsequently handed over to their family.

“The success of this operation is inseparable from the synergy and coordination of all joint SAR elements, as well as the support from the community and fishermen who helped provide information during the search process,” concluded Fathur.

Previously, Ahmad Junaidi and Jiar Junaidi Mendome were reported to have lost contact during their journey to Karumpa Island, South Sulawesi. The pair departed from Wuring Port, Sikka, on Friday (18/09). The Maumere SAR Office received information that the two fishermen had lost contact on Saturday (19/09) afternoon.