Basarnas Ambon Evacuates Two Fishermen from South Sulawesi in Maluku Waters

AMBON - The Ambon Search and Rescue Office, Maluku, evacuated La Ode Johori (52) and La Kasirudin (34), two fishermen from Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) who were swept away a few days ago and stranded in the Maluku waters.

"They have been reported missing due to the long boat (longboat) used experiencing engine failure and after several days of search by the Wakatobi SAR Post, but did not find their whereabouts," said Head of the Basarnas Search and Rescue Office, Ambon, Muhamad Arafah in Ambon, Thursday night.

The two fishermen were known to have departed using a longboat on 07/03 at around 02:00 WIT in the early morning from Wakatobi Island to Moromaho Island to make copra.

After that, on March 13, 2026, the two victims continued their journey from Moromaho Island to Binongko Island.

However, the two victims did not reach their destination and were declared missing on March 17. The Wakatobi SAR Post, which received information from the victim's family, has carried out a search operation but has not been able to find any signs of the victim's whereabouts.

Furthermore, on March 18, the Kendari SAR Office carried out coordination with the Ambon SAR Office for assistance to the Ambon SROP regarding the sea snake.

Furthermore, today at around 11.15 WIT, the Ambon SAR Office received information from Mr. Ali as a member of the Sultra Police's Brimob reporting that the two fishermen had been found by fishermen and evacuated to Nusalaut Island, Central Maluku Regency.

Upon receiving the report, at 11.30 WIT, the Head of the Ambon SAR Office, who was then with the Lebaran Special SAR Standby Patrol Team at the Mandiri Basarnas Post at Tulehu Port, together moved using the KN SAR Bharata to Nusalaut Island to evacuate the two victims with a distance of approximately 30.33 Nautical Miles.

At around 13.25 WIT, the KN SAR Bharata arrived at Nusalaut Island and was followed by the Joint SAR Team picking up the two victims.

At 14.27 WIT, the Joint SAR Team managed to evacuate all the victims to the KN SAR Bharata to be taken to the Tulehu Port.

"Through cross-sectoral coordination between the Kendari SAR Office, the South Sulawesi Police, and the Ambon SAR Office, thank God Almighty heard our prayers so that the two victims were found by the Abubu Village Fishermen in a safe condition," he said.

"Currently all the victims are still with us and as a result of coordination with the family in South Sulawesi, in the early hours of March 20, 2026, the Ambon SAR Office will help the two victims to be sent off with KM. Cirimai to their place of origin," he said.

With the discovery of the victim, the SAR Operation was declared complete and closed. All SAR Potential Elements involved were returned to their respective units with words of thanks.