11 Indonesian Fishermen Rescued After Stranded On Bedwell Island Australia

Illustration - A fishing boat stranded in the waters of Rondo Island due to engine failure was pulled by the Basarnas ship during the evacuation to Ulee Lheue port, Banda Aceh, Friday (24/5/2013) (ANTARA PHOTO/Ampelsa/Koz/NZ/13.)

JAKARTA - A total of 11 Indonesian fishermen stranded on Bedwell Island, Rowley Shoals, Western Australia, were rescued by local authorities on April 17, 2023. "Their ship sank because of Tropical Cyclonesit,” said the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and Indonesian Legal Entities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha via text message, Antara, Wednesday, April 19. Based on information received by the Indonesian Consulate in Darwin from the Australian Border Forces Headquarters (ABF), the fishermen have undergone a medical examination at a hospital inCENE, located 313 kilometers east of Bedwell. The fishermen who came from Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara were declared healthy even though they previously lasted six days without eating and drinking. They were then taken and scheduled to arrive in Darwin on Wednesday. “Konsulat RI Darwin has asked for access to meet fishermen and provide the necessary assistance. The Indonesian Consulate will also facilitate the repatriation process of fishermen to Indonesia,” said Judha.

Representing the Indonesian government, Judha expressed his appreciation to the Australian government, especially ABF, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) for helping save Indonesian fishermen.