Vessel Tracker Technology Leads to Rescue of Missing Fisher in Morotai

_{by M. A. Indira Prameswari, Ilsan Ismail}

In the remote waters off Morotai Regency, a fisher who went missing at sea in 16th October 2024, was located and safely returned to shore after an overnight search. The fisher, whose name is Rakit, was found by his family approximately 42.5 kilometers from the coast after losing his bearings amid dense fog.

According to family members, the weather conditions left Rakit disoriented and unable to see land, which led him to drift further from Morotai. “The fog was so thick that he was disoriented, and he lost his way,” a relative involved in the rescue said.

When the search began

The incident first raised concern when Rakit did not return by his usual time. Local fish collector Muhlis Lastori, who regularly buys fish from Morotai’s fishing community, was the first to recognize that something was amiss when Rakit hadn’t shown up that evening. “He usually returns in the afternoon to sell his catch,” Lastori said. “I notified Rakit’s family and MDPI (Masyarakat dan Perikanan Indonesia; an NGO focused on coastal community empowerment, including Morotai’s) immediately.”

The search, launched by family members and some community volunteers, did not involve Indonesia’s Search and Rescue (SAR) teams due to the family’s confidence in the vessel monitoring system (VMS) technology installed on Rakit’s boat. Rakit’s vessel was equipped with a VMS tracker, a device that records a vessel’s travel and, in this case, became instrumental in pinpointing his location.

Vessel Monitoring System proves helping small-scale fishers during crises

Field staff from MDPI joined in, providing additional support and coordination during the search. “Local fishers and family members searched through the night until 4 A.M.,” said Ilsan Ismail, an MDPI field staff based in Morotai. “I monitored the boat’s position through the tracker app, and we kept in contact by phone. The fishers also carried GPS to check Rakit’s coordinate point, which helped them reach him quickly.”

The VMS installation comes as part of a pilot project designed to enhance small-scale fisheries traceability. Initiated by IPNLF Indonesia (YII) and supported by MDPI, Rakit’s boat was fitted with Alon, a high-tech vessel tracker to record fish traceability data.

The device also includes an emergency SOS feature, which could prove crucial for timely rescues in real-time crises. Demonstrated by Rakit’s case, the device has also proven valuable for emergency situations.

Small-scale fishers: Vessel tracker technology gives a sense of security

“We are grateful for the tracking technology,” Rakit said after his rescue. “There’s no discomfort about being tracked; in fact, it gives a sense of security. Getting lost at sea can happen to anyone, and with these devices, we can find help faster. Small-scale fishers can benefit from this device.”

Data from Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency indicates that 43 incidents of lost fishers were reported in 2023 alone—a statistic that likely underrepresents the true scope of such incidents.

MDPI is grateful that Rakit could return safely to his family. This incident serves as a reminder for fishers, NGOs, and all involved parties to work together in addressing safety-at-sea issue, especially within the scope of small-scale fisheries.