TERNATE - The Ternate Search and Rescue (SAR) Office, North Maluku, carried out an intensive search for a boy named Affan (10) who was reported missing after being allegedly bitten by a crocodile while bathing in the Inggoi River, Amasing Village, South Halmahera Regency.
Head of Basarnas Ternate Iwan Ramdani said the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, December 16, at around 16.00 WIT. The victim was reported to have gone swimming in the river before finally disappearing from the surface of the water.
"Based on the information we received, the victim on behalf of Affan went swimming in the Inggoi River. While in the river, suddenly a crocodile appeared which is suspected of immediately attacking the victim until he disappeared," said Iwan Ramdani, quoted by Antara Wednesday, December 17.
Residents who knew about the incident immediately reported it to the village authorities and related parties. Basarnas Ternate received an official report from Rahmat, representative of the South Halmahera Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).
"After receiving the report, we immediately coordinated with the South Halmahera SAR Standby Unit to carry out search and rescue operations," said Iwan.
The joint SAR team moved to the scene at 21.05 WIT on Tuesday evening. Upon arrival at the location, the team immediately carried out an initial assessment and land search around the Inggoi River area.
In addition, other teams are searching through river patrols using SAR rubber boats and local people's long boats. Search efforts continue to this day, involving various related elements.
"Our search is done to the maximum, both through land and river routes. We also involve local crocodile herders to help the evacuation process if the crocodile reappears," explained Iwan.
However, the search process was carried out with a high level of vigilance. The SAR team had to work extra carefully because of reports of the appearance of another crocodile around the scene of the incident that could potentially endanger the safety of officers.
The SAR elements involved in this operation include the South Halmahera SAR Standby Unit, Kodim 1509/Labuha, South Halmahera Police, South Halmahera Polair Post, Bacan TNI AL Post, South Halmahera Brimob Post, Fire Department, and residents from Tamansari Village and Rawabadak Village.
English:
Basarnas Ternate appeals to the public, especially residents living around the river, to increase vigilance and avoid activities in the river which is known to be a crocodile habitat.
"We appeal to the public not to carry out activities in rivers that are prone to crocodiles for the sake of mutual safety and to prevent similar incidents from happening again," concluded Iwan.
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