JAKARTA, June 30 — A Malaysian tourist swept away by strong currents while snorkelling off Gili Lawa Island in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, was found safe yesterday.
In a video released by Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency (Basarnas), 35-year-old Amirah Bazil was seen signalling for help from shallow waters near Gili Lawa before being assisted onto a rescue vessel.
“She had been snorkelling with friends early Sunday morning when she became separated from the group due to strong currents,” said Maumere Basarnas head Fathur Rahman in a statement.
A joint search-and-rescue (SAR) team was immediately deployed from the West Manggarai SAR Post after receiving a report of the incident at 6.45am local time.
However, before the rescue team arrived, a passing speedboat named Fenides spotted Amirah near the shoreline and transferred her to the Sea More Papua, the vessel that had hosted the diving trip.
“She was found conscious, uninjured, and smiling when our team reached the boat. She plans to continue her trip in the Labuan Bajo area,” he said.
The authorities credited the swift rescue to coordinated efforts between SAR personnel and local vessel crews operating in the area.
Labuan Bajo, located within the Komodo National Park, is a renowned diving destination celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and strong ocean currents.
This is the second successful rescue involving a Malaysian national this month, following the safe recovery on Friday of a Malaysian climber who slipped while descending from Danau Segara Anak on Mount Rinjani in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
— Bernama
