Indonesia urges South Korea to intensify search for missing boat crew

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has called on the South Korean authorities to strengthen their search efforts for the two Indonesians who disappeared after the "Geumseong 135" fishing boat sank on Friday (November 8).

"We urge search operation for the two Indonesian crews continued beyond the 3x24 hours limit," Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, Zelda Wulan Kartika, stated as per the embassy's written statement received here on Saturday.

Kartika said she met South Korean officials on Friday to discuss rescue efforts for crews of the fishing boat that sank near Jeju Island on November 8. The ship carried 11 Indonesian crew members, of which nine have been rescued.

She expressed condolences over the tragedy, commended the quick response from the local authority to rescue the unfortunate boat crew, and urged them to intensify search efforts for the remaining missing crew members.

The Chargé d'affairs also met the nine rescued Indonesian boat crews to console them and ensure their safety. During their recovery period following the rescue operation, she urged them to reach out to their families back home.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, with assistance from the local authorities, will work to ensure optimum protection for all Indonesian crews on the ship," Kartika stressed.

The "Geumseong 135" fishing boat sank in the waters of Jeju Island on November 8 at 4:33 a.m. local time. The ship was carrying 27 crews comprising 16 South Koreans and 11 Indonesians.

Following the rescue operation, 15 boat crews, including nine Indonesians, have been rescued. The operation is now focused on searching for the other 10 South Korean and two Indonesian crew who remain missing.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has instructed his officials to mobilize resources and personnel to continue the search and rescue operation for missing victims and ensure proper treatment and recovery for the rescued crew members.