JOHOR BARU: An Indonesian fisherman who went missing after becoming separated from the boat carrying his two children has been repatriated after being found adrift in waters off Pulau Tioman, Pahang.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru worked with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Pahang on the search and rescue operation following a missing-person report received by Indonesian authorities.
Consular Officer Dhania Afini Lestari said Bachtiar, from the Anambas Islands regency in the Riau Islands, underwent a medical examination after being rescued and received temporary accommodation and supplies.
He was escorted by MMEA Pahang personnel and handed over to Indonesian border authorities at the maritime boundary between the two countries at 5pm today, she said in a statement.
Bachtiar was reported missing on Oct 10 after becoming separated from the boat carrying his two children while they were fishing. His boat had run out of fuel, and food supplies were depleted before he was found safe in waters off Pulau Tioman on Thursday.
The consulate urged fishermen to ensure their boats were seaworthy, carry sufficient fuel and food, and have navigation and communication equipment before going out to sea.
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