SANDAKAN: Authorities have ended the search for a fisherman missing since his boat sank off Nunuyan Island last month. The four-day operation concluded Wednesday evening.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) launched the search after fishing gear was found on 28 November, later identified as belonging to the missing vessel. One crew member, a 24-year-old man, was recovered from the sunken boat. A second crewman, a 32-year-old Indonesian national, was not found.
Rough seas hampered the effort, which covered 492 square nautical miles using assets from multiple agencies. No new leads were discovered, MMEA Sandakan zone director Kepten Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said.
Investigations indicate the men had been fishing since 22 November. The MMEA stated the lengthy delay before the report was filed likely diminished rescue prospects, he added.
While the formal search is terminated, routine MMEA patrols will continue to monitor the area. The public is urged to prioritise sea safety and report any relevant information to the emergency 999 line, Muhamad Suhairy said.
In Tawau, fire razed 18 stilt houses in Kampung Kurnia Jaya water village here on Wednesday. A car parked nearby was also destroyed.
The Tawau Fire and Rescue Station (BBP Tawau) was alerted at 4.20 pm and arrived at the scene by 4.34 pm. The fire, which engulfed an area measuring approximately 150 by 80 feet, was brought under control by 4.45 pm. All operations were concluded by 5.47 pm.
Operations Commander PBK I Rosliee Suyut confirmed no casualties were reported and investigation to ascertain cause of fire was ongoing.
“The rapid response successfully contained the blaze, preventing its spread to an estimated 500 neighbouring houses,” he added.
According to Rosliee, the operation involved 27 fire personnel from BBP Tawau, BBP Kunak, and the Titingan Community Fire Unit. Support was provided by a drone team, police, and Civil Defence Force. – James Leong
Rescuers retrieving the remains of one victim during the SAR off Nunuyan Island.
