KOTA BARU: The Kelantan branch of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has called off the search and rescue (SAR) operation for fisherman Ahmad Hussin, 71, who is feared drowned after going out alone to fish in the waters off Tumpat yesterday.
Its director, Maritime Captain Erwan Shah Soahdi said the operation was halted after a search covering an area of approximately 881 square nautical miles of sea failed to find any clues.
“We are also facing the challenge of unpredictable sea conditions with strong winds and storms, but enforcement assets continue to conduct patrols and continuous monitoring in the state’s waters.
“Until today, no clues have been found.
“We also wish to express our gratitude to the MMEA Air Operations Division, the Civil Defence Force (CDF), marine police, and the Fire and Rescue Department who were involved in this SAR Op.
“Appreciation has also been extended to the Bangkok Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) of Thailand for their cooperation,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
He also advised the fishing community to always pay attention to safety aspects when going out to sea by wearing a life jacket and traveling together with at least one other person to avoid any unwanted incidents.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Hussin’s son, Mohd Zulkarnain Ahmad, 31, hopes his father can be found, even if it’s just his body.
“Last night, my family also held a special prayer and Yasin recitation at Masjid Bunohan so that my father would be found safe, even though we are aware that the search operation is still at a dead end.
“We remain resigned if he is ‘gone’, and if his body is found, we can give him a proper burial.
“The fisherman, who is also the father of seven children, reportedly went out fishing in a fiber boat from the Tanjung Kuala Jetty at 7.30am on Sunday, but failed to return as usual by noon.
– Bernama
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
