Missing Since August 29, Rusli, A Fisherman From North Aceh, Finally Returned By Cruise

ACEH - A fisherman from Ulee Rubek Timu Village, Seunuddon District, North Aceh Regency, Rusli (50), who was previously reported missing since last Friday, August 29, was finally found safe. He was evacuated by a Genting Dream cruise ship after floating in the high seas.

"Rusli was successfully evacuated safely by the Genting Dream cruise ship after being adrift in the high seas," said North Aceh Police Chief, Iptu Edy Suparman in North Aceh, Antara, Thursday, September 4.

Iptu Edy explained that the victim reportedly did not return to the mainland after going to sea alone using an oskadon boat on Friday, August 29.

"Based on witness testimony, Rusli usually goes to sea as far as 72 miles from the coastline. However, until Saturday, the victim did not return," he said.

Another fisherman was searched on the instructions of the Laot Commander (Chairman of Traditional Fishermen) of Seunuddon District since Sunday, August 31. The search effort lasted for days until Tuesday, September 2 but Rusli had not been found.

"Then, yesterday came information that Rusli had been successfully evacuated safely by the Genting Dream cruise ship," said Edy.

Based on family information, Rusli is currently in the Thai sea area. He is scheduled to be handed over to the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore on Friday to be repatriated to the country after the cruise ship docked there.

As for the cause of Rusli's drift, the police are still waiting for further information from the person concerned.

"But most importantly, the victim has now been found safe and immediately sent home to reunite with his family," said Edy.