Search operation for doctor whose boat capsized in Central Lombok closed

The search operation for Doctor Vishnu who disappeared in Lancing waters, Central Lombok, has been closed.

KOMPAS/ISMAIL ZAKARIA

The announcement of the disappearance of Lalu Wisnu Aditya Wardana was made on one of his family's Instagram accounts, as seen on Wednesday (24/4/2024). Until the seventh day since he was declared missing, Wisnu has still not been found.

MATARAM, KOMPAS - To this day, Doctor Lalu Wisnu Aditya Wardana (27) who went missing in the waters of Lancing, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara since Wednesday (17/4/2024) has not been found. In accordance with procedures, the Mataram SAR Office has closed the search operation for Wisnu as it has entered the seventh day. Nevertheless, search support will still be given for the next two days.

Field Coordinator of the Mataram SAR Office, Arif Gunawan, stated in his press release in Mataram on Wednesday (24/4/2024) that the rescue operation for Wisnu was closed on Tuesday (23/4/2023). "Our search efforts until the seventh day yielded no results. According to the standard operating procedure, if the SAR operation yields no results on the seventh day, then the SAR operation is proposed to be closed," said Arif.

As reported, Lalu Wisnu, who works as a physician at Praya Regional General Hospital in Central Lombok, was reported missing on Wednesday (17/4/2024) at around 3:00 PM WITA.

Initially, he and two of his colleagues were fishing in the waters of Lancing. The Lancing waters area, located approximately 18 kilometers west of the Mandalika Circuit, is indeed one of the fishing locations in Central Lombok.

Also read: Canoe Overturned While Fishing, Doctor in Central Lombok Hasn't Been Found

KOMPAS/ISMAIL ZAKARIA

High waves are seen in the Pantai Lancing area, Dusun Tampah, Mekarsari Village, West Praya, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara on Friday (19/4/2024). The wave conditions have become one of the obstacles in the search for Lalu Wisnu Aditya Wardana (27).

Based on the testimony of the captain of the ship or one of the two survivors, they started fishing in the waters of Lancing on Wednesday around 9:00 am Wita. Around 2:00 pm Wita, their boat was hit by a wave and capsized.

The captain then asked two of his colleagues, including Wisnu, to hold onto the boat. Meanwhile, he went to the edge to seek help.

When they arrived at the shore, the ship captain who had already reached the edge could still see Wisnu and one of his companions. However, shortly after, Wisnu swam with his fishing gear box. When checked again, only one person was in the boat and Wisnu was missing.

Since that day, SAR operations began until they were declared closed on Wednesday. The operation involved a number of parties, ranging from the SAR Office in Mataram, the Navy, the police, the regional disaster management agency (BPBD), fishermen and local communities, to families.

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Although it was closed, the SAR team did not immediately leave the location of the incident. "We don't just close and leave. We continue to monitor for up to the second day with limited resources," said Arif.

Contacted separately, the victim's aunt, Baiq Ernawati, stated that she had asked the Mataram SAR Office to continue the search for the next two days.

"We hope Wisnu can be found within the next two days. But if not, we will continue the search. Moreover, the BPBD of Central Lombok has stated that they will continue to participate in the search until Wisnu is found," said Ernawati.

Ernawati hopes that not only the Central Lombok BPBD, the provincial BPBD can also continue to help with the search. Especially if in the next two days Vishnu has not been found. In fact, if necessary, there are other related parties who can help with helicopters considering that the range with drones is limited.

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KANTOR SAR MATARAM

The SAR team used rubber boats to search for Dr. Lalu Wisnu Aditya Wardana in the waters of Lancing, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday (18/4/2024). Until the seventh day since being declared missing, Wisnu has still not been found.

Ernawati added that the family greatly appreciates the various supports they have received during the search for Wisnu. "We see it as very extraordinary. Quite moving. Starting from small things, such as praying for us, to those who come directly. It's beyond our expectations because this incident has attracted public attention," she said.

Since the incident, apart from the Mataram SAR Office, TNI and Polri, as well as the family and local community, a number of parties have taken part in the search for Vishnu. Apart from following the search on land, there were also divers and drone pilots who came to help.

Constraint

Since the search and rescue operation for Wisnu began, in addition to the location of the incident in Gili Gansing in the waters of Lancing, the SAR team also combed various other areas. Starting from Selong Belanak which is located about 6.8 kilometers west of Lancing to Gerupuk about 25 kilometers east of Lancing.

Various equipment is also used. Apart from deploying Rigit Inflatable Boats (RIBs), rubber boats and fishing boats, they also deployed divers. Also a thermal drone that can detect human body temperature.

However, the waters of Lancing and its surroundings are not easy to conquer. According to Arif, the challenges in the field are the weather and currents which can sometimes be quite strong and rough, resulting in operations having to be temporarily halted.