Berau Residents Killed By Crocodiles In Bengawan Berau River

SAMARINDA - A joint team commanded by Basarnas Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan, evacuated a resident named Abrahamam Gunawan (40) who died after being attacked by a crocodile in the Bengawan River, Melati Jaya Village, Gunung Tabur District, Berau Regency.

"The incident of the victim being attacked by a crocodile occurred on Monday (31/7) morning. After receiving the report, the joint team immediately searched around the river and found the victim," said Balikpapan City Basarnas Head Melkyanus Kotta as reported by ANTARA, Monday, July 31.

Abraham Gunawan is a resident of RT 01, Melati Jaya Village, Gunung Tabur District, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan.

On Monday (31/7) at around 07.00 WIB, Gunawan intended to defecate in the Bengawan River. However, according to witness testimony, the victim was attacked by a crocodile which was later found by the SAR Team within hours of his death.

According to witnesses, Martinus, who is the victim's family, had heard Gunawan's voice screaming after about 5 minutes of being by the river to defecate.

When he heard Gunawan's screams, Martinus immediately ran to the location, but did not find Gunawan. He only saw mark marks and traces on the river bank which were suspected to be the footprints of the crocodile around where Gunawan shouted.

After the report, Basarnas together with the Berau Regency BPBD Pusdalops conducted a search which started at around 10:00, then at around 11.00 WITA, the SAR Team found Gunawan's body about 2 km from where he shouted earlier.

"Abraham Gunawan was found at position 2°14'18.77"N - 117°38'55.66"E dead, then immediately evacuated to the Design Ulu Health Center by the Joint SAR Team, "said Melki, his nickname.