inp.polri.go.id - Sikka. The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police, along with a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team, are continuing the search for two fishermen from Paga Village, Paga District, Sikka Regency, who were reported missing while at sea in the Paga Sea. As of the fifth day of the search, Friday (1/30/2026), the two victims had still not been found.

The search for the fifth day was conducted from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the waters of Paga, Paga District, Sikka Regency. The search operation involved a joint SAR team consisting of the Maumere National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Maumere Naval Base (Lanal Maumere), the Water and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolairud) of the NTT Regional Police, and the Sikka Sub-regional Police Water and Air Unit (Satpolairud).

The two missing fishermen were identified as Anwar Mahmud (35), a resident of Paga Village, Paga District, and Norisius Sapa (31), a resident of Paga Village, Paga District, Sikka Regency. Both reportedly did not return after going fishing in the Paga Sea.

During the search operation, the joint SAR team utilized a number of supporting equipment, including a 25-horsepower rubber boat belonging to the Maumere Marine Corps, water search equipment, and evacuation equipment.

The Head of Public Relations for the NTT Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Henry Novika Chandra, explained that the search was conducted using a sweeping method at previously mapped points.

"Since morning, the joint SAR team held a briefing and immediately began searching the Paga waters according to the search plot. However, by the fifth day of searching, the results were still zero," said Henry.

He added that the search was temporarily suspended in the afternoon due to unfavorable weather conditions, forcing all SAR personnel to return to the command post for everyone's safety.

"The weather is a major concern. Nevertheless, search efforts will continue," he concluded.

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