Residents Of Konawe Two Days Lost By Crocodiles In The Roraya River, Central Sulawesi

Members of the Kendari Basarnas conducted a search for victims who were attacked by crocodiles (ANTARA)

KENDARI - Basarnas formed three teams in carrying out a second-day search operation for a man who was reported missing allegedly attacked by a crocodile in the Roraya River, South Konawe Regency (Konsel), Southeast Sulawesi (Sulteng).

Acting Head of the Kendari Basarnas Hidayat in Kendari, Thursday said the victim, Rode (50), was reported missing, allegedly being attacked by a crocodile while working in the Roraya River, South Konawe.

"The joint SAR team has resumed the search for victims by dividing into 3 teams. The search on the second day started at 06.00 WITA this morning", Hidayat was quoted as saying by ANTRA, Thursday, July 6.

He explained that Team 1 conducted a sweep towards the upstream of the river using a rubberboat as far as 2 kilometers. Then Team 2 conducted a sweep downstream of the river using a longboat of 2 kilometers.

"Meanwhile, Team 3 conducted a sweep on the edge of the river where the victim was reported missing for 1 kilometer to the downstream", he said.

The search for the middle-aged man, who is a resident of Roraya Village, Tinanggea District, South Konawe Regency, involved personnel from various joint elements including the Kendari Search and Rescue Office (KPP), Konsel Fire Department, Tinanggea Police, Tinanggea Koramil, the surrounding community and the families of the victims.

Hidayat said that initially, on Wednesday (5/7) at around 15.00 WITA the victim and his wife were active on the edge of the river, but suddenly the victim was attacked by a crocodile and lost.

At that time, the victim's wife who saw directly sought help from local residents. The search has been carried out with nothing.

The incident was then reported to Basarnas by one of the victims' families to get SAR assistance.

"We will convey further developments. Hopefully, the joint SAR operation on the second day can bear fruit", said Hidayat.