Seven-Day Search Ends as Missing Malaysian Diver Remains Unfound

Head of the Banda Aceh Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Ibnu Harris Al Hussain, said the joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team decided to halt the operation after seven days of intensive searching failed to find the missing diver.

“The search produced no results until the seventh day. Following evaluation and consultation among all SAR teams, the operation was officially terminated. Personnel involved have now returned to their respective agencies,” he said on Friday, September 18, 2026., as quoted by Antara.

The missing diver was identified as Ho Wee Han, a 49-year-old Malaysian national. He was reported missing while diving at Shark Plateau waters near Selako Island in Iboih Village, Sukamakmue Subdistrict, Sabang City, Aceh, on September 11 at approximately 3:05 p.m. local time.

According to Ibnu, the victim had been diving with three other divers when they encountered increasingly strong underwater currents at a depth of about 20 meters. The currents reportedly carried the group deeper, reaching around 30 meters.

"At that point, the dive guide could no longer see the victim. An initial search was conducted from the surface for about 30 minutes, but he could not be located. The incident was then reported to the police and the SAR team," he explained.

Following the report, the joint rescue team launched an extensive search operation covering waters within a radius of up to 12 kilometers from the last known location. Search efforts also included diving operations at depths ranging from 40 to 50 meters.

The operation faced additional challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including rain, strong winds, and waves measuring between one and one-and-a-half meters. Search activities were temporarily suspended during periods of bad weather before resuming once conditions improved.

The mission involved personnel from multiple agencies, including 11 members of the Sabang SAR Post, three Indonesian Navy personnel, six officers from Iboih Police Sector, six members of the Water and Air Police Unit, 18 personnel from Sabang Police Resort, 40 divers, and 17 community members and local fishermen.

Despite the coordinated effort, authorities were unable to locate the missing diver.

"Since the victim was not found after seven days of searching, the SAR operation has been suspended. The operation can be reopened if new signs or information regarding the victim's whereabouts are discovered. We would like to express our appreciation to everyone involved in the search effort," Ibnu concluded.

The conclusion of the operation marks the end of an intensive week of search efforts in one of Indonesia's well-known diving destinations, while authorities remain open to resuming the mission should new evidence emerge. ***