Seawaves In Riau Islands Capai 3.5 Meters, Fishermen Using Sampan And Small Ships Asked Not To Go To Sea

Illustration of traditional fishermen looking at high sea waves. (Between)

The Indonesian Embassy - Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) appealed to traditional fishermen in Natuna Regency and Anambas Islands, Riau Islands (Kepri) to be aware of sea waves reaching 3.5 meters.

Tanjungpinang City BMKG forecaster Vivi Putrima Ardah said this forecast follows moderate to high intensity rain that has flushed Riau Islands recently.

"For now, for the next two days, the sea wave height will range from 1-3.5 meters, so fishermen need to be aware, especially those using small boats," said Vivi in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, Thursday, October 13.

He also appealed to the people of Natuna and Anambas who were active using boats and small boats to be careful, especially when sea waves were high.

"A high sea wave endangers safety, in addition to causing shocks on board the ship," he said.

The sea wave height in Batam, Tanjungpinang, Karimun, Lingga and Bintan waters ranges from 0.5-1.25 meters.

"Wind speed ranges from 5-30 km/hour," he said.

Head of the Department of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Riau Islands Province, Tengku Said Arif Fadillah, appealed to traditional fishermen who use canoes, boats, and small boats not to go to sea during high sea waves.

"Now the weather is uncertain, sea waves are high because it enters the north wind season. So fishermen must be careful, don't force themselves to go to sea," he said.

The former Secretary of the Riau Islands reminded fishermen to prioritize personal safety and not force them to go to sea if the waves were high.

"The sea wave height reaching 3.5 meters is quite dangerous," he said.

Arif also appealed to fishermen who use ships with a large capacity to prepare safety equipment, such as buoys.

"In anticipation, it must be done for the safety of fishermen when going to sea," he said.