Update 12/24/24 7:30 am
NGARAARD, Palau — Authorities are resuming the search for a missing fisherman swept out to sea on the east coast of Ngaraard State, according to the Bureau of Public Safety.
Director Curtis Elobt confirmed in a phone interview with Island Times last night that two men from Ngaraard went fishing on the east side of the island on Sunday, December 22, 2024. One of the men, Duane Tochi, made it back to shore. The report said he was injured but safe. However, his companion, identified as Isaias Batil Roberto, a 32 year old male. remains missing.
An update from Chief Fabian Ngiramengior, the two men went fishing near Ngedub channel in a kayak when it overturns. Roberto, according to report obtain by the police from Tochi, had caught and held on to buoy while Tochi drifted out of the channel. Tochi decided not to fight the strong currents and drifted out of the channel. Sometime later that Sunday afternoon, the waves swept him back over the reef where he managed to get to shore by early evening and had his son called the police at little after 6 pm.
Despite heavy rains on Monday, search efforts continued, involving police and state rangers. Authorities are expected to resume their search today. (By: L.N. Reklai)