Rescuers Still Searching for Missing Ship`s Crew in Asmat Water

Timika (Antara Bali) - A joint rescue team is still on the lookout for 13 missing crew members of the motor vessel KM Azula, which beached in the shallow Asmat waters of Papua Province on Saturday night (February. 13).

The search operation on the day seven was now focused at the shore of Asmat District, Section Head of Search and Rescue Operation of Timika Hendra Salawane said here Saturday.

"This morning we have been combing the uncovered area along the coast. We will have an evaluation after the team returns in the evening," Salawane said.

The SAR team of Timika has deployed one boat RB 217 with 17 personnel assisted by six additional long boats of the local authorities for the search operation.

A helicopter from PT Freeport Indonesia is also assisting the rescuers during the search.

The KM Azula was found beached in the shallow waters of Muara Agats.

However, the ships crew members had abandoned the ship, and a lifeboat had been lowered and used.

The villagers found a lifeboat suspected to be of the ill-fated ship and some life jackets.

However the 13 crew members are still nowhere to be found.

The 13 missing crew members of KM Azula were Abdul Rachman Hakim (captain), Dimas Apriyona, Fasal, Agus Dwiuntoro, and Aris Untori, along with Dani Purba, Muhammad Muntoha, Ahmad Fausi, and Muhammad Aprisal. The other crew members are Samson Ambarita, Nuzakir, Anggit Restu Dianto, and Taufik Nur Hidayat. (WDY)