Tragic! Fadil Was Found Dead Drifting In The Belawan River, North Sumatra While Crossing With His Friends

The Search and Rescue Office (SAR) together with a joint team evacuated a man who was swept away in the Belawan River, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, ANTARA/HO-Humas Basarnas Medan

A teenager named Fadil (16), who was previously reported to have swept away in the Belawan River, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, was found dead by a joint search and rescue team (SAR), Wednesday, July 30.

Head of the Medan Class A Search and Rescue Office, Hery Marantika, said the victim was found at around 17.30 WIB, caught in a wooden stick on the edge of the river.

"The victim was found dead, about 200 meters from the initial location reportedly washed away," Hery said in an official statement received in Medan, Antara, Thursday, July 31.

This unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, July 29 when Fadil and five of his friends were about to cross the Belawan River in Kelambir Lima Village, Hamparan Perak District.

They swam while throwing banana stems to cross, but Fadil, who is suspected of not being proficient in swimming, was swept away by the swift current.

The five friends who survived tried to help and asked residents for help, then reported the incident to the Medan Basarnas. Search operations were carried out together with other potential SAR elements, including local residents.

"We express our deep condolences to the families of the victims. This operation is a form of synergy for all elements of search and rescue from the first day," said Hery.

He also reminded the public, especially parents, to increase supervision of children while playing around the river, especially during the rainy season and heavy current conditions.

"River is not a safe place to play, especially when the water discharge increases. We urge residents to be more vigilant," he said.

With the discovery of the victim, the search operation is officially closed and all elements involved have returned to their respective units.