Fishing Trip Turns Into A Nightmare For Fisherman Forced To Jump Overboard By Fellow Crew

A young fisherman who jumped from a fishing vessel to escape being killed by his fellow crew members was saved after floating in the waters for three days.

On December 11, the 37-year-old fisherman Afif Efendy, was rescued in a joint effort by the merchant vessel MV. SIKINOS and the patrol ship KN. P 349, sent by the Indonesian maritime authorities.

The Bulker Sikinos had found Efendy drifting in the water with his lifejacket on. When the patrol ship arrived at the scene and saved him, he had a tragic story to tell.

Per his account, what began as a normal 17-day fishing trip onboard KM Putri Ayu from Jepara, turned into a nightmare for Efendy who faced all kinds of abuse from senior crew members.

He suffered physical assault and was threatened. They all made him work from morning till night without any rest. He mentioned that the other crew members disliked him and beat him, he told the authorities.

As days passed, the threats increased and on the 17th day, a few older crew members told Efendy that they would kill him if he did not jump from the fishing vessel. They brought knives and threatened him.

Hence, Efendy put on a life jacket and jumped overboard. He floated for 3 days before being found by the Sikinos, Efendy added. He was taken to the shore for medical attention.

This incident raises concerns about the safety of the crew and also workplace violence in the fishing industry. There is a need for increased vigilance and stricter measures to protect maritime workers in the industry.

References: Sea Man

Source: Maritime Shipping News