MIRI, Nov 8 — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a boat skipper and a crew member who went missing after their fishing vessel capsized in waters off Tanjung Payung, Niah, on Wednesday, is still ongoing.
Miri District Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah confirmed the matter in a statement yesterday, saying that a report was received at 8.46pm on the day of the incident from the Samalaju Police Station, Bintulu.
“The boat initially had six people on board, including four foreign crew members aged between 20 and 47, who were rescued by a passing tugboat,” he said.
“However, the two local crew members — a skipper and a crewman aged between 33 and 65 — remain missing.”
Following the report, police together with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) launched a joint SAR operation.
As of the second day of operations (November 7), a total of 90 officers and personnel using three boats from various agencies have been deployed, but the missing victims have yet to be found.
Mohd Farhan urged members of the public with information regarding the incident to contact the Batu Niah Police Station at 085-737 223 or the nearest police station.
He also advised the public not to speculate on the incident and reminded fishermen to remain vigilant and cautious due to unpredictable weather conditions. — The Borneo Post
