Body of fisherman found near island

0

SANDAKAN: The body of a foreign boat crew member who drowned while fishing in waters near Pulau Tiga Labuk Bay near here on Monday, was found yesterday.

The body of Akis Hanaping, 40, was found floating by a fisherman around 8.30 am in the waters between the islands of Selingan and Bakungan Kecil.

It is believed that the victim was a fishing boat crew member who fell into the sea in the waters of Tikus Island and Tatabuan Island at around 7am last Monday.

A search and rescue operation was carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency last Monday upon receiving reports of the missing man.

The search operation was also assisted by the victim’s family members and villagers from a nearby village.

Meanwhile, director of MMEA and Exercise of Sabah and Labuan Maritime Commander Raziee Keding, who validated the incident, advised the community to emphasise on safety aspect in view of the current weather condition that was less favourable.

“We advise the people to increase safety levels while at sea, especially during bad weather conditions.

“Follow boating regulations that are provided, like wearing life jackets to avoid instances such as this happening in the future,” said Raziee.