KOTA BELUD: The search and rescue operation for two tourists from China who were reported missing on Mantanani Island has been called off.
Kota Belud District Police Chief Supt Shahrudin Mat Husain said the decision to end the operation on Sunday was made after a thorough assessment of all search areas around Mantanani waters that yielded no signs of the man and woman.
However, he said sea patrols and surveillance will continue along Sabah’s western coastline and up to the northern Kudat’s Sulu Sea to detect fresh leads.
The tourists have been identified as Yu Xiapeng, 25, and Fan Qin, 28.
They were reported missing at the end of their stay at a resort on Mantanani Island on Oct 5.
“Throughout the seven-day operation, bad weather and high waves slightly hampered the team’s efforts. Although the official operation is over, we will continue to monitor,” said Supt Shahrudin.
The search and rescue operation involved the deployment of drones and 95 personnel from the police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Marine Police and the Civil Defence Force.
Villagers and resort operators also participated in the operation.
