SAR Team Searching For Missing Children Dragged By Currents In Aceh Besar

BANDA ACEH - The SAR team is looking for a nine-year-old child who was reported missing by the waves while playing in the sea with three other children on Lhoknga Beach, Aceh Besar.

Head of the Banda Aceh National SAR Agency (Basarnas) Ibnu Harris Al Hussain said the victim was Nurul Aprilia. The search for the victim has entered its second day.

"The victim is currently still being searched. In this incident, a child was found dead and two others were rescued by residents," said Ibnu Harris as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 15.

The victim who died was named M Raffi (8). Meanwhile, the survivors are Bayu, 12 years old and Aulia, 10 years old. All of the victims were residents of Blangstar, Aceh Besar District.

Ibnu Harris said the incident began when the four children were playing in the sea at Lhoknga Beach, Sunday (14/8) at around 16.00 WIB. While bathing, suddenly a big wave came and dragged them into the sea.

Two victims were rescued by people who were on the beach. While the other two missing were taken to the middle of the sea, said Ibnu Harris.

Basarnas who received the report immediately dispatched the team. The SAR team arrived at the location at around 17.00 WIB and immediately began searching for victims.

"The search for the victim used a rubber boat. After an hour's search, the victim on behalf of M Rafli was found dead about 15 meters from the beach," said Ibnu Harris.

Ibnu Harris said the search was stopped because it was dark. The search for another victim will continue this Monday starting at 07.30 WIB using a rubber boat two kilometers from the point where the victim was last seen.

"In addition to the Basarnas team, the search for victims also involves other potential search and rescue services such as the Indonesian Navy, local police and Koramil personnel, and the community," said Ibnu.