Indonesian Teenager Survives 49 Days Adrift At Sea

Post date: Oct 05, 2018 5:9:16 PM

By: Kyland and Hugo

On September 24, Aldi Novel was looking after a fishing hut. Then heavy winds caused its moorings to snap, casting the 18 year old adrift. He drifted away. Aldi worked on a “rompong” - a floating fish trap without any paddles or engine. His job was to light the rompong’s lamps, which are designed to attract fish. Aldi survived by fishing and cooking the fish with wood from the hut.

“Aldi said he thought he was going to die out there. At one point he said was suicidal and considered jumping into the ocean, but remembered his parents’ advice to pray in times of distress. He had a bible on board so he did.” - local news portal Tribun Manado. He drifted 125 kilometers out in the sea so he sipped water through his clothes to minimize salt intake.

Everytime a large ship passed by, he said he was hopeful. But more than 10 ships sailed past him. None of the ships saw or stopped. “Aldi was scared and cried often” during the experience, said Firdaus. Aldi flew home to Monado and is reportedly in good shape.