The search has been called off for a missing Indonesian crewmen who was with four Australians when their longboat capsized.
The crewmen was one of seven left stranded in Indonesian waters after the boat they were travelling on to Pinang Island hit rough sea off the island of Sumatra.
The four Australians – Elliot Foote, Steph Weisse, Will Teagle and Jordan Short – as well as two other Indonesian crew members were found floating on surfboards last Tuesday after nearly two days in the water.
The rescuers were unable to find Fifan Satria in the days after the others were found, leading to the search being called off.
“The search from the first until the seventh day has been effectively conducted, not only at sea but also along the shorelines around the Banyak islands, but the result was still zero,” Octavianto told news agency Agence France-Presse.
One of the Australians rescued, Elliot Foote, has spoken about his sorrow at the loss of Mr Satria, who was their guide as they took a surfing trip for his 30th birthday.
“My deepest thoughts are with the family of Fifan. Our joyful young guide who hasn’t been found,” Mr Foote said on Instagram
“I wish there was more we could have done to help you, and that will stay with me as a burden to bear.
“I understand the loneliness you must’ve felt in those hours by yourself, and my condolences to your family.”
The sister of rescued Australian Will Teagle has started a GoFundMe campaign hoping to raise $100,000 for Mr Satria’s family.
“We will allocate a meaningful portion of the funds raised to provide essential support to this community and to the family of Fifan Satria during and beyond this traumatic time,” Amy Teagle’s fundraiser site says.
As of Monday night nearly $50,000 has been raised.
