K

upang: Thirteen fishermen from Rote-Ndao and Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) have been reported missing following bad weather and high seas in the Timor Sea in recent weeks.

The fishermen have been missing since March 5, when their boats likely encountered storms near Australia, according to Zainudin Laduma, a Papela resident. The missing men were on two boats that were part of a group of 11 vessels, Zainudin said.

“Two went missing while the other nine managed to make it back to Rote-Ndao and Kupang, Zainudin said.

Zainudin said that local fishermen typically went to sea for two-week stints before returning to their ports of departure.

“We still don’t know the whereabouts of the 13 fishermen. I hope they are safe,” Zainudin added.