TUMPAT: The search and rescue operation for an elderly fisherman, Ahmad Husin, who has been missing at sea for three days, continued today with the deployment of additional assets.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) deployed an AS365 N3 Dauphin helicopter from Subang Airport to widen the search radius, which had previously relied mainly on sea-based monitoring ships.
An MMEA spokesman said the aerial assistance was necessary as visibility from land and boats was limited despite four vessels from various enforcement agencies already involved.
“The Dauphin AS365 N3 arrived in Kota Baru at noon today for refuelling before conducting surveillance across a 260-nautical-mile radius.
“The helicopter will enhance the search operation as aerial visibility covers a wider area compared with sea-level monitoring,” the spokesman said.
Earlier reports said Ahmad had gone fishing alone on his boat off Tumpat waters on Sunday morning but never returned home. His three-wheel motorcycle was found parked near the jetty at Tanjong Kuala, where he had departed around 7.30am.
The search and rescue operation at sea currently involves assets from MMEA, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Marine Police and the Civil Defence. The search radius has since been expanded to 152 nautical miles.
“We have also alerted the Thai authorities, and their teams are assisting by conducting both sea and land searches, in case the victim drifted ashore or was stranded. So far, no leads have been found, but search and rescue operations are ongoing,” the spokesman added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
