SANDAKAN: A search and rescue (SAR) operation is ongoing for two Indonesian fishermen missing since November 28, with one body recovered from their sunken vessel.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is leading the effort, which entered its second day on Monday, December 1, after debris from the boat was located a day earlier.
MMEA Sandakan Zone Director, Kepten Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain, confirmed that a tow board and fishing net from the missing boat were found adrift 8.1 nautical miles north of Nunuyan Island on the morning of November 30. The items were identified by the vessel’s owner, prompting the full launch of the SAR operation.
“The current search spans approximately 67 square nautical miles, extending from the point where the debris was found along the boat’s projected route,” stated Muhamad Suhairy.
Assets deployed in the operation include- MMEA: KM PERINGGI command vessel, two patrol boats, and a dive team, Royal Malaysian Navy: one ship, Marine Police: two boats, Fire and Rescue Department: one boat with divers.
The Civil Defence Force (APM): Joined the operation on December 1.
During an underwater search, divers located the sunken boat and recovered one body from its wheelhouse. The remains were handed to the police at the Sandakan MMEA jetty for further action.
The search continues for the second fisherman. The missing crew have been identified as Mohd Aswal Arman, 32, and Akbar, 24. Local fishing boats are also assisting in the effort.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact emergency services at 999 or the Sandakan MMEA Operations Centre at 089-221923. Muhamad Suhairy also reminded the maritime community to adhere to safety protocols, including wearing life jackets and ensuring communication devices are operational. – James Leong
