A Fisherman’s Journey

Posted on June 29th, 2009 by Eric Porterfield

I’m currently traveling in Asia to a few of the countries affected by the December 2004 tsunami to document how the Red Cross is helping communities recover and rebuild.

My first stop was Indonesia.

The northern coast of Sumatra is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever traveled. If it was in the United States the stretch of coast from Banda Aceh to Calang would be nothing but five star resorts and million dollar homes, but these beaches are mostly undeveloped.

While traveling from community to community, I’ve heard many sad stories as people talk about how the tsunami personally touched their lives. One such story comes from the small fishing village of Paton Makur near Calang, Indonesia. I first saw Mr. Ibnu Abas, a 50 year-old father of eight who has lived in the village for more than 40 years, carrying several colorful fishing nets past the community center where the American Red Cross was teaching children how to properly wash their hands and pick-up garbage with educational games and competitions. I found out later that several of Mr. Abas’ children were participating in the activities.

I decided to follow Mr. Abas on his journey, which ended up being a little less than a mile long walk to his small motorized canoe-like boat on a small stretch of beach. I watched as he loaded three large fishing nets onto his boat and pushed it into the water, which I found out happens everyday at 4pm. Before he headed out to sea to set the nets, I asked him if I could follow him along his journey the next morning and he kindly agreed.

The next morning I arrived at the same location at 7 a.m sharp. I wasn’t surprised to see Mr. Abas patiently waiting and ready to go. He reminds me of my father, an early riser that is always busy doing something and unfailingly three steps ahead of me.

I quickly jumped into another slightly larger boat of a fisherman that had agreed to take me out so I could film Mr. Abas’ journey. Armed with only pen and paper, a digital camera and a camcorder, I swiftly pulled out my Flip video-camera and started recording.

It took about twenty minutes to get to the sight of the first net. I was full of anticipation as he began to pull the net out of the water. The first few grabs yielded nothing more than seaweed, but then, much to my surprise, a medium size lobster was flopping in his net. He quickly untangled it set it aside to sell at the market later. As the morning progressed he caught a few more lobsters, maybe a dozen fish and a few conch shells, but this voyage was much more than a fisherman just catching fish.

On December 26, 2004, the village of Paton Makur was completely destroyed by the tsunami. Houses, neighbors, children, friends were washed out to sea, never to be seen again. Mr. Abas lost his his house and his thirteen year-old son to the waves that day. I can tell by the expression on his face and the tears forming at the corner of his eyes that it’s something he thinks about constantly.

Now, four and a half years after the tsunami, Mr. Abas and his family are living in a new house built by the United Nations with clean water and a sanitation system provided by the Red Cross.

Mr. Abas is hopeful for the future and plans to open a fruit and vegetable stand to earn additional income for his family.

Filed under: International, Video

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46 Responses to “A Fisherman’s Journey”

  1. » My Adventure in Tsunami-Affected Sri Lanka, on July 8th, 2009 at 3:46 pm Said:

    [...] Here’s a snapshot video of how a few of our clients are doing now, several years later. If you’re looking for more of my findings, see how we’re doing in Banda Aceh and Calang. [...]

  2. BLOG NUESTRO MUNDO. TU ACC?ON. » Blog Archive » Rostros del tsunami: Ibnu Abas, un pescador en Aceh, on November 19th, 2009 at 4:39 am Said:

    [...] esa historia por la Cruz Roja Americana en inglés: http://redcrosschat.org/2009/06/29/a-fishermans-journey. PUBLICADO CON: [...]

  3. OUR WORLD. YOUR MOVE. BLOG » Blog Archive » Faces of the Tsunami: Ibnu Abas, on November 19th, 2009 at 4:39 am Said:

    [...] read this story by the American Red Cross: http://redcrosschat.org/2009/06/29/a-fishermans-journey. Make sure you subscribe to the RSS [...]

  4. Nuestro Mundo. Tu acción. » Blog Archive » Rostros del tsunami: Ibnu Abas, un pescador en Aceh, on March 31st, 2010 at 7:27 am Said:

    [...] esa historia por la Cruz Roja Americana en inglés: http://redcrosschat.org/2009/06/29/a-fishermans-journey. This post is also available in: Inglés blog comments powered by Disqus var [...]

  5. Notre monde. A vous d’agir. » Blog Archive » Les visages du tsunami: Ibnu Abas : pêcheur à Paton Makur, on March 31st, 2010 at 7:28 am Said:

    [...] et lisez l’histoire de la Croix Rouge americaine en anglais: http://redcrosschat.org/2009/06/29/a-fishermans-journey This post is also available in: Anglais, Espagnol blog comments powered by Disqus var [...]

  6. Orlando, on September 19th, 2010 at 7:38 pm Said:

    I enjoyed the video and post. It make one reflect on their own live struggles. I must say my own seem almost petty in comparison. The Red Cross is first class and does good work for humanity.

    Cheers,

    Orlando

  7. Rey Fasthand, on October 6th, 2010 at 2:37 pm Said:

    I can relate the video from with my life. This mostly happens to us. I really appreciate this! Thanks!

  8. sage accpac, on October 16th, 2010 at 9:27 am Said:

    Here’s a snapshot video of how a few of our clients are doing now, several years later. If you’re looking for more of my findings, see how we’re doing in Banda Aceh and Calang

  9. al, on December 2nd, 2010 at 9:35 am Said:

    This actually happen to me almost 20 years ago in Algarrobo Chile, and we almost sunk :)

  10. Jeff Bridge, on December 2nd, 2010 at 9:50 am Said:

    I met several people just like Mr Abas on my recent travels through Indonesia. I can tell you he is typical of most them. The strength and courage they display despite their personal attrocities is truly inspiring.

  11. Cody, on December 5th, 2010 at 7:43 pm Said:

    Thanks for the video and story, glad to hear that the red cross and UN re-built Mr Abas’s house too.

  12. Rick, on December 8th, 2010 at 9:24 am Said:

    I was in Indonesia last year too, it was lovely :-) I’m really sorry about Mr. Abas’s loss. When I read story like this I always imagine how great is my life. I’d like to know what’s with him now?

  13. Luís, on December 8th, 2010 at 11:37 am Said:

    Thank you for telling this story. The video is also very good. If everyone were like you the world would be much better.

  14. charanjit singh, on January 4th, 2011 at 9:36 pm Said:

    This is a touching reality and I commend these people that have got on with their lives after such a devastation. I also commend the Red Cross. They are doing a fantastic job.

  15. Sandra, on January 11th, 2011 at 4:31 pm Said:

    It’s a nice video, and I love your story, btw I’m from Indonesia, and yes,.. tsunami was destroyed everything :( … we hope no more earthquake or even tsunami. Hope the government of Indonesia would like to implement a better system for, e.g. tsunami early warning systems.

  16. Shawn, on January 11th, 2011 at 11:13 pm Said:

    Thanks for the video and story, glad to hear that the red cross and UN stepped up and rebuilt his house.

  17. Freddy, on January 15th, 2011 at 10:56 am Said:

    ” On December 26, 2004, the village of Paton Makur was completely destroyed by the tsunami. ”
    Horrible, but mr Abas is now safe.Wunderfull story.

  18. simon, on January 17th, 2011 at 5:00 pm Said:

    i was nearby when the wave struck and it was devastating,
    its been a while but hopefully one day ill return it is a beautiful place.

  19. Nick, on January 20th, 2011 at 8:54 am Said:

    Many of us in the UK watched with horror during the Tsunami. Six years on its nice to hear some happy endings. I’m sure there are other similar stories which remain untold, but we shouyld be thankful for the sttories we hear.

    It gives us all hope for when the next natural disaster strikes.

  20. Larp, on February 17th, 2011 at 8:45 am Said:

    I still remember the day when I heard about the tsunami on the radio. It’s good to hear that at least some people who survived the disaster made it to return to a normal life.

  21. Atif, on February 27th, 2011 at 3:13 am Said:

    Great Journey By a Fisherman

  22. Download iPhone Apps, on March 2nd, 2011 at 4:04 am Said:

    tsunami takes more asians life, i appreciate your effort to show this

  23. healthy trim, on March 3rd, 2011 at 6:36 am Said:

    Thanks for the video and story, glad to hear that the red cross and UN stepped up and rebuilt his house.

  24. Mariah, on March 4th, 2011 at 8:23 pm Said:

    Thank for sharing use your stories. I think you did a very meaningful action to the world and you are calling for action by doing that. Let’s do something to make our world better

  25. The Traffic Guy, on March 5th, 2011 at 9:06 am Said:

    Mr. Abas is hopeful for the future and plans to open a fruit and vegetable stand to earn additional income for his family.

    just amazing story of life’s struggle

  26. Tommy, on March 6th, 2011 at 1:27 am Said:

    After I read this post and the video I think we need more organization like The Red Cross !

  27. valencia voices, on March 6th, 2011 at 1:33 pm Said:

    I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else.

  28. download film gratis, on March 9th, 2011 at 5:19 am Said:

    its good posting…

  29. Mark, on March 10th, 2011 at 2:26 pm Said:

    It’s great to see how much the Red Cross benefits those who need it most. I was contemplating making a trip to volunteer but for various reasons I could not make it happen. This was such a devastating event and it makes me so happy to hear that things are getting back to normal as much as they can be. Thank you Red Cross.

  30. women yoga pant, on March 11th, 2011 at 12:33 pm Said:

    tsunami, so horrible. I seen on TV, I hope no more tsunami in this peacefully world

  31. papaya fruit benefits, on March 11th, 2011 at 12:35 pm Said:

    I love the story, it’s soundly amazing.
    nice article

  32. Cynthia, on March 12th, 2011 at 6:42 pm Said:

    Very touching video!
    Indonesia is such a great country with so many great people and unfortunately they still suffer from the consequences of the tsunami.

  33. SUNDANY, on March 13th, 2011 at 8:26 am Said:

    The video is also very good!

  34. fresh flash, on March 14th, 2011 at 1:14 pm Said:

    from the video, we can learn from life Mr. Abas, although life can be spelled out far from settled, but he remains grateful for life, because he knows there is a family who loved him and always so encouraging to work hard for family survival. those of us who felt it had everything should be more grateful and be generous toward people who feel they need our help.

  35. solichin, on March 17th, 2011 at 8:20 am Said:

    This is the same with the tsunami that occurred in Japan last week’s Friday

  36. Maritim, on March 17th, 2011 at 9:09 pm Said:

    I am from indonesia, my be indonesia and japan have big earthquake, and hve many volcano over them

  37. yanz, on March 18th, 2011 at 8:14 am Said:

    woooooww

  38. Etude, on March 18th, 2011 at 9:24 am Said:

    Thank you for telling this story. The video is also very good!

  39. holichaxor, on March 19th, 2011 at 1:30 am Said:

    yes this video is good

  40. galihrengga, on March 19th, 2011 at 9:31 am Said:

    Hi, I’m from Indonesia and i say many thanks for you. When I see your video, I remembered my brothers and sisters in Sumatra. My house was damaged by tsunami, so did my neighborhood and many of my friends and colleagues die and lost. I live in Jakarta now and studying here. And I hope in the future I can back and help my people to rebuild our home. Once again, thanks for your share and video.

    P.S : I have a web about travel too, come to see if you have time.

  41. UCHA, on March 19th, 2011 at 1:34 pm Said:

    Very nice video

  42. Victoria Connor, on March 19th, 2011 at 8:39 pm Said:

    This is Victoria, so glad your life is on the mend. Thank you for sharing!

  43. Bicol Web Design, on April 11th, 2011 at 6:16 am Said:

    The Philippine Red Cross has similar programs for our Filipino fishermen. We just need support from other sectors.

  44. Piralabs Blog, on June 17th, 2011 at 3:56 pm Said:

    My friend died in that tsunami (Aceh, Sumatra, 2004). He, his wife and son died from the tsunami. truly tragic…

  45. Ternak Lele Dengan Terpal, on June 18th, 2011 at 9:27 am Said:

    thank you for visiting my country and my thanks to the red cross that PBB has helped tsunami victims in my area. however, now Indonesia (particularly the Aceh region has rebounded). Every December 26 is celebrated as the day the tsunami in Aceh. Thanks again for PBB

  46. traprenovatie, on December 23rd, 2011 at 8:54 am Said:

    That was very inspiring story Eric Porterfield. I wish that our government could have helped each victims in such manner. There live would have better by now.

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