A 37-year-old fisherman, Afif Efendy, was rescued after spending three terrifying days adrift at sea, following alleged abuse aboard the fishing vessel KM. Putri Ayu.
The dramatic rescue operation, carried out on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, involved a coordinated effort between the merchant vessel MV. SIKINOS and the Indonesian patrol vessel KN. P 349.
Indonesian maritime authorities reported that the evacuation was executed with precision as the KN. P 349 patrol vessel arrived at 20:00 WIB to transfer Efendy from the MV. SIKINOS.
The crew member was then transported to safety and taken to Semayang Harbour for medical evaluation.
According to Efendy’s testimony, what was supposed to be a routine 17-day fishing expedition departing from Jepara devolved into a harrowing ordeal of abuse.
He recounted facing physical assault, intimidation, and being forced to work excessive hours from dawn until late at night without breaks.
The abuse reached a critical point on the 17th day of the voyage when two senior crew members reportedly threatened him with a knife, ordering him to jump overboard or face death. In a desperate bid to save his life, Efendy managed to put on a life jacket before leaping into the sea.
Adrift and alone, Efendy survived for three days at sea before being spotted and rescued by the MV. SIKINOS, a passing merchant vessel. He was later transferred to the KN. P 349 patrol vessel, which brought him to shore safely.
The rescue operation highlights the critical role of international cooperation and rapid response in ensuring safety at sea. Efendy’s safe return marks the conclusion of a terrifying ordeal, but his account sheds light on the serious issue of abuse and mistreatment aboard fishing vessels.
Efendy’s case has sparked renewed calls for stricter oversight of working conditions aboard fishing vessels, as well as enhanced protections for vulnerable crew members. Indonesian maritime authorities have pledged to investigate the incident further and hold those responsible accountable.
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