Pangkalpinang, Feb 20 (Antara) - Two fishermen in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Archipelago Province, were drowned after being engulfed by big waves in bad weather.
The victims are the captain of KM Indah Jaya, Yono (40 years old) and one of the crew, Muji (20 years old). They were lost in the Eastern of Pulau Tiga waters around Tuesday dawn at 3 am while trying to fix a broken anchor.
"The wind was fast and the high waves, the anchor rope was broken and the captain trying to fix the anchor but he was hit by the wind and he fell," said one of the crew survivors Lukman Hakim (22 years old).
Lukman explained that one of his colleagues, Muji, then tried to help Yono, but they both hit by the waves and washed away.
"Mr. Yono could not swim, so Muji went down to help, but the waves too big so they both actually drowning," he said.
The ship was carrying four fishermen, the captain is Yono, and three crew members; Muji, Lukman Hakim, and Ipat (20 years old).
"After knowing they sink, we immediately conducted a search until the sun was rising, but unfortunately we did not make it," he said.
Both crew members who survived claimed to still traumatized and do not dare to go back to sea.
"We have reported the accident to the sea police but it has not responded yet, now 25 other fishermen is on the search using four boats," he said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Indonesian Fishermen Association (HSNI) of Pangkalpinang, Dedi hoped that the officers search for two fishermen immediately.
"I really hope they can soon be discovered, because it's been too long since the incident on Tuesday morning and it's already Wednesday," said Dedi.
Regarding safety and security work, Dedi appealedthe fishermen could be more careful and prioritize their safety.
"Although there is only modest ship, we expect fishermen still use protection when at sea, especially if you have to save others," he said.
