BLITAR – A joint search and rescue team recovered the body of a man who went missing in the Brantas River during a flushing operation at Wlingi Raya Dam in Blitar Regency.
The victim was identified as Isnaini, 50, from Pagerwojo Village in Kesamben District. Rescuers found him dead on Tuesday after three days of search efforts.
Search teams discovered the body beneath the Nguri railway bridge in Selokajang Village, Srengat District. The location lies around 20 kilometers from the area where the victim reportedly disappeared.
Blitar Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency chief Wahyudi said residents informed officers about signs of a body in the river at around 9 a.m.
After receiving the report, rescue teams immediately moved toward the location. Officers later found the body at around 11 a.m.
“At around 9 a.m., residents informed us about a possible sighting of the victim. The team then moved directly to the location,” Wahyudi said.
Authorities evacuated the victim’s body to Srengat Regional Hospital for further handling. Officials also ended the SAR operation after confirming the victim’s identity.
During the search process, rescuers carried out patrols by land and water. Teams used rubber boats and searched several points along the Brantas River.
The operation involved Basarnas USS Malang Raya, BPBD Blitar Regency, BPBD East Java Province, the military, police officers, volunteers, and local residents.
Isnaini reportedly disappeared on Monday at around noon while searching for fish in the Brantas River during the flushing activity at Wlingi-Lodoyo Dam.
According to Wahyudi, flushing operations often cause fish to appear near the river surface. Many residents then enter the river to catch fish.
“The flushing process causes many fish to appear in the river. Strong currents likely dragged the victim away,” he explained.
Another resident named Badi’ survived after strong currents swept him away during the same incident.
At a separate location in the Kedung Ketek area of Jegu, another resident named Yasmani drifted in the river after suffering exhaustion. Local residents later rescued him safely.
Authorities urged residents not to enter the Brantas River during flushing operations because river currents and water discharge can become dangerous.