The joint search operation coordinated by MMEA to find two missing anglers was called off yesterday after not finding any clues.
SIBU: The joint search and rescue operation (SAR) for two missing anglers in Bintulu waters was called off yesterday as no clue was found up to the ninth day.
According to Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu Zone acting director Commander Maritime Effendy Mohamed Fadil as at 5pm yesterday, the SAR operation which entered its ninth day had covered the sea and air search area of 970 nautical square miles without finding any clues.
“The operation was called off at 5pm and would resume if there is any new lead,” he said in a statement.
Effendy thanked the Royal Airforce, police, marine police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and the maritime community in particular, locals who had assisted in the operation.
The missing victims identified as Kinminsna Kasim, 58, a local and his employee Pendi Salim Husin, 38, an Indonesian, were said to have gone fishing at 5.30pm on Sept 16 but failed to return home on the day of the incident.
The boat carrying the two anglers is suspected to have overturned on the way from Kuala Serupai Tatau jetty to Temana A Oil rig area in Bintulu waters.
He stated that from January until yesterday, the number of emergency cases at sea stood at 19 cases and September has recorded the highest number with five cases.
Meanwhile, 14 victims were rescued, one death recorded and four victims have yet to be found including the duo in the latest incident.