Inp.polri.go.id - Ambon. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Ambon, Maluku, confirmed that human remains—a leg in diving gear—found by fishermen in East Timor belong to Carol Colleen Monfore, a U.S. diver missing since September 26 while diving in the waters of Pulau Reong, Wetar Utara District, Southwest Maluku.

"The body part has been identified through forensic examination by the DVI team from East Timor, in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate," said Muhamad Arafah, the Head of Basarnas Ambon, on Friday (11/10/2024), referring to Disaster Victim Identification.

Monfore went missing while diving with six colleagues and a tour guide from Kalabahi. Despite extensive search efforts by the SAR team from Maumere over the past week, no results were found.

The police confirmed the remains after communicating with a U.S. Embassy staff member. Forensic tests were necessary, although the victim's husband was confident the remains belonged to his wife.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, emphasizing the need for thorough search efforts in the region.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)