DILI, 19 december 2025 (TATOLI) – The body of a 30-year-old Timorese worker, missing since November 25, was recovered from the waters of Geoje-si, South Korea, on friday morning at approximately 8:40 a.m.
Manuel Alburqueque reportedly went missing after allegedly falling into the sea while working at the bow of a boat.
At the time, his Indonesian colleague was at the stern, collecting nets used for harvesting seaweed.
Authorities confirmed the identity of the recovered body through fingerprint verification.
“The body is currently at the Maritime Police station in Tongyeong, South Korea, for autopsy,” said Timor-Leste’s Embassy in South Korea.
Once the autopsy is completed, the body will be handed over to the Timor-Leste government for transfer back to the country.
The incident follows the drowning of Domingos Nunes, a Timorese worker, whose body was recovered three days after he went missing on october 10 this year.
Following an increase in maritime accidents involving Timorese workers, SEFOPE announced plans to resume pre-departure maritime training for Timorese workers who will be employed in the marine sector in South Korea.
TATOLI
