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2 clusters · 4 sources · 2 days · First seen · Last updated

Oarfish sightings in Indonesia

Overview

In late August 2026, rare oarfish sightings on Indonesian beaches sparked local interest and online speculation. On August 26, a specimen measuring two to four meters was found on Pantai Pink in the Lombok Timur Regency of West Nusa Tenggara. The discovery prompted fears among locals that the deep-sea creature might be a precursor to natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, a belief rooted in folklore.

Following this, a giant oarfish exceeding 13 feet in length washed ashore on Pink Beach near Komodo Island. While the discovery went viral and renewed speculation regarding seismic activity, marine authorities and scientists maintained that there is no scientific evidence linking oarfish movements to earthquake prediction. Officials noted that such sightings are likely due to the fish being sick, injured, or displaced by currents, and reported that local communities remained calm.

Entities

Nusa Tenggara Barat · Pink Beach · Muslim · Lombok Timur · Komodo Island

Timeline

  1. 16 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Oarfish washes ashore on Komodo Island, Indonesia

    A 13-foot oarfish washed ashore on Komodo Island, Indonesia, sparking online speculation about its alleged link to natural disasters, though scientists dismiss such claims as myth.

  2. 17 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Oarfish discovery in Lombok Timur sparks local concern

    The discovery of a rare oarfish on Pantai Pink, Lombok Timur, has sparked local concern and discussions regarding myths that the deep-sea fish serves as a warning for earthquakes or tsunamis.

Sources

defector.com · disway.id · katadata.co.id · mycharisma.com