A South Konawe Resident Killed By Lightning While Fishing In Kendari Bay

KENDARI - One resident in South Konawe Regency died as a result of being struck by lightning while fishing in the waters of Kendari Bay.

Kendari Police Chief Kombes Muhammad Eka Fathurrahman said the victim named Herli Patty (42) died as a result of being struck by lightning during bad weather around 17.30 WITA.

"On Sunday, March 5, 2023, at 17.30 WITA, a man named Herlin Patty died as a result of being struck by lightning while fishing in Mata Village," he said as reported by ANTARA, Sunday, March 6.

He explained, on Sunday (5/3) at around 13.00 WITA, the victim's younger brother named Hendrawan Pattti followed his older brother Herlin Patty to fish in the waters around Mata Village using a canoe.

"Which victim was already in the sea using his own canoe," he explained.

At around 17.00 WITA, there was a strong wind which caused both of their boats to be blown off towards the sea so that the victim and his younger sibling took the initiative to return to shore. However, the straps between the two boats were snagged by a piece of wood.

"So the victim's sister untied her boat with the intention that the rope would not get entangled. However, while rowing to the beach, the boat used by the victim was carried away by the current out to sea until then suddenly lightning came and struck the victim's body and the victim then fell into the boat," explained Commissioner Eka.

The victim's younger brother, he continued, tried to approach his brother's boat which was about 20 meters away and saw his brother's body already lying on the boat. The victim's sister then tied up her brother's boat and swam by pushing the boat towards the shore.

After arriving at the beach, the victim was taken to Santaana Kendari Hospital. However, because it was hard to die, the victim was taken to the funeral home at BTN Tawang Alun 1, Ranoha Village, Ranomeeto District, South Konawe Regency.

"As a result of this incident the victim suffered burns to his right back and right arm and died," said Kombes Eka.