Armed With Biscuits 20 ABK Fishing Boat 188 Survives Drifting In The High Seas

A total of 19 CREW members aboard Bandar Nelayan 188 arrived at Benoa Harbour, Denpasar Bali (Dafi/VOI)

DENPASAR - A total of 19 ABK bandar Nelayan 188 ships arrived at Benoa Harbour, Denpasar Bali. They were evacuated after the ship was nearly submerged by a storm.

They were evacuated with KRI Escolar from the Australian navy ship HMAS Anzac. Upon arriving at benoa harbour pier, pre ABK prostration gratitude set foot in Bali.

The captain of Bandar Nelayan 188, Murdiono (41) told of the unfortunate events with 19 other comrades between life and death when his boat was hit by a storm.

"It is inconceivable between life and death. I am the captain," Murdiono said in Benoa Harbour, Friday, May 21.

One of the abk named Tarno was injured and was briefly hospitalized in Australia. His index finger had to be amputated. Tarno has returned to Jakarta by air transport.

Murdiono, who has been the Captain of Bandar Nelayan 188 for 3 years, recounted the events of drifting in the middle of the sea with the condition of the ship that was half-submerged. He was grateful that the abks were helped by Japanese fishing boats and ships from Australia.

"We'll meet the Japanese ship first, keep meeting the Australian ship and come straight here," he said.

For 4 days, the ship ABK Bandar Nelayan 188 tossed. They eat rough to survive.

"Four daily. Eat it rough. We bring biscuits and try to survive while (waiting) for help to come. We've been hit by a storm and yes we've given up the same thing on top, it's important we keep the spirit," he explained.

He thanked the Crew of the Japanese fishing boat, the Australian and the Indonesian government who had provided assistance until they could finally return via Bali.

KM Bandar Nelayan previously suffered a leak and nearly drowned in the Indian Ocean on Thursday, May 13.

"Basarnas is coordinating with JRCC Australia to take action," said Basarnas Bali Head of Office Gede Darmada.

JRCC immediately informed the incident to ships near the KM Bandar Nelayan area.

"It was then transferred to the Australian ship HMAS Anzac and taken to Australia," he said.