RI Asks For The Search For Two Indonesian Crew Members In South Korea To Continue To Be Intensified

People search (pixabay)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has asked South Korea to intensify search efforts, even if necessary, beyond the time limit, for the two Indonesian crew members who were missing until they could be found.

"Search efforts for two Indonesian crew members to continue to be carried out, even if necessary, exceeding the 3x24 hour limit," said the attorney for the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, Zelda Wulan Kartika, quoting Antara.

Zelda said his party had met with officials related to the Korean government on Friday (8/11) in connection with further efforts to handle the Geumseong 135 fishing vessel consisting of 11 Indonesian crew members who drowned around the waters of Jeju Island on November 8, 2024.

He expressed his concern and condolences for the tragedy that occurred, as well as deep appreciation for the Korean government's rapid efforts in the search and rescue of the crew, while asking local authorities to continue the search efforts intensively.

The Indonesian KUAI also met nine Indonesian crew members who were rescued to ensure that all were in good condition and healthy.

He also asked Indonesian crew members who have received medical treatment to be calm, rest, and communicate with their respective families in Indonesia.

"The government of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, with the help of local parties, will continue to work to ensure optimal attention and protection for all Indonesian crew members," he said.

The Korean-flagged fishing vessel Geumseong 135 sank in the waters of Jeju Island, South Korea, on November 8, 2024 at 04.33 local time. The ship was manned by 27 crew members consisting of 16 Korean citizens and 11 Indonesian citizens.

In the search effort, Friday, 15 crew members were found, including nine Indonesian crew members while 10 Indonesian crew members and two Indonesian crew members were reported to be still missing. Efforts are currently focused on finding the missing crew members.

The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul continues to coordinate and communicate intensively with various related parties in South Korea, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the South Korean Coast Guard Agency, as well as ship agents and owners.

The incident made headlines in South Korea. President Yoon Suk-yeol has ordered his staff to mobilize all resources and personnel in searching and rescuing crew members, including treatment and recovery for the ABKs who have been rescued.