BLITAR – A joint rescue team has expanded the search for a missing fisherman in the Brantas River near Wlingi Dam in Blitar, East Java. Officers continued the operation on Tuesday after they failed to find the victim during the second day of searching.

The missing man, identified as Isnaini from Kesamben District, reportedly fell into the river while fishing near Wlingi Raya Dam. Strong currents quickly dragged him away. Local residents later reported the incident to emergency authorities.

Search teams focused on the area near Wlingi Dam before extending the operation toward Serut Dam. The search area covers around five kilometers downstream along the Brantas River. Rescue officers believe the river current may have carried the victim far from the original location.

Imam Nahrowi, coordinator of the Malang SAR standby unit, said authorities received the first report at around 4 p.m. on Monday. Rescue workers verified the information before heading directly to the scene.

“We first searched around the suspected drowning location,” Imam said. “Then we expanded the search along the river flow toward Serut Dam.”

Basarnas deployed a rubber boat to search the river near the suspected drowning point. Rescue workers checked several river sections where the victim may have become trapped by debris or strong currents.

Land search teams also monitored strategic points along the riverbanks. Officers guarded bridges, dams, and observation areas. They watched for signs of the missing fisherman appearing on the water surface.

The search operation has faced several obstacles since Monday evening. Imam said river conditions continue to complicate the rescue effort. Water levels have started to decline after dam flushing activities. However, the river remains muddy and difficult to navigate.

“The water is still very murky, and visibility remains low,” he said. “Those conditions slow down the search process.”

Despite the difficult conditions, rescue teams continue searching several kilometers along the river corridor. Authorities believe the victim may still be trapped somewhere downstream because of the strong current.

Around 40 to 50 personnel have joined the operation. The team includes Basarnas officers, disaster mitigation officials, police officers, military personnel, and local SAR volunteers from Blitar and nearby areas.

Rescuers said they will continue the operation until they locate the missing fisherman or find further evidence in the Brantas River.