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An Indonesian teenager is safe after spending more than a month and a half at sea in a floating fishing hut, reports the Jakarta Post.
Aldi Novel Adilang, 19, was responsible for lighting the lamps on a fish trap that attracted light, according to a message posted on Facebook by the Indonesian consulate in Osaka, which oversaw Aldi's rescue. The craft, known as rompong, was about 75 miles from the coast. Aldi lured it alone, but was visited once a week by someone who would take captured fish and provide food and supplies, according to the Post, who spoke with the consular officials.
Aldi stayed in a small boat anchored by a long rope. But in July, strong winds hit the hut and the rope broke, and Aldi sank deeper into the Pacific Ocean.
The teenager spent most of his supplies in a few days, but he caught fish and cooked them by burning wood from his ship. He also designed a bamboo shower.
Aldi told the local newspaper TribunManado that he thought he was going to die and was planning to drown himself sometimes. But he found solace in his faith, often praying and reading his Bible.
"Every time he saw a big ship, he was hopeful, but more than 10 ships had sailed, none of them had stopped or seen Aldi," said Fajar Firdaus, diplomat at the consulate. Osaka. , said the Post. "Aldi said that he was scared and often cried adrift."
On August 31, Aldi saw the bulk cargo ship that would save him. But when he waved his clothes to catch the crew's attention, no one saw him, according to the Post. Aldi reportedly used a radio to signal the vessel and attracted the captain's attention. The ship had to go around Aldi several times before getting close enough to pull it.
The crew provided Aldi with food, clothes and a haircut, reports the Post. The freighter took Aldi to Japan where the consulate officials organized his return home. He flew home to Manado earlier this month.
Aldi told the TribunalManado that he would no longer work at sea and would rather work on land.
[The Jakarta Post, TribunManado, Guardian]