Rescue of Abused Fisherman Highlights Urgent Need for Safety in the Fishing Industry
A 37-year-old crew member was rescued after enduring three harrowing days adrift at sea due to alleged abuse on a fishing vessel. Afif Efendy, a member of the KM. Putri Ayu, was successfully evacuated on December 11, 2024, through a coordinated effort involving the merchant vessel MV. SIKINOS and the KN. P 349 patrol vessel.
Indonesian maritime authorities reported that the evacuation was executed with precision, with the KN. P 349 arriving at 8:00 PM WIB to facilitate the transfer alongside the MV. SIKINOS.
According to Efendy’s account, what started as a routine 17-day fishing trip from Jepara turned into a nightmare of systematic abuse. He faced physical assault and intimidation from senior crew members and was forced to work long hours from dawn until dusk without rest.
The situation escalated on the 17th day of the voyage when two crew members threatened him with a knife, demanding he jump overboard or face death. In a critical decision that ultimately saved his life, he managed to put on a life jacket before jumping into the sea.
After being rescued by the MV. SIKINOS, Efendy was safely transferred to the search and rescue team and taken to Semayang Harbor for medical evaluation.
This incident raises significant concerns about crew safety and workplace violence in the fishing industry, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced oversight and protective measures for maritime workers.
