SANDAKAN: The search and rescue operation to locate another fisherman who went missing in the waters of Pulau Nunuyan here since 28 Nov was called off at 6pm on Wednesday after four days.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Maritime Captain Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said although the operation has ended, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) assets conducting routine patrols will continue to monitor the area.
He explained that the operation will be reactivated should there be any new developments.
At the initial stage of the incident, the agency received a report regarding the discovery of a towing board and fishing net approximately 8.1 nautical miles north of Pulau Nunuyan.
The boat owner later confirmed that the equipment belonged to the missing vessel.
One of the crew, Akbar, 24, was found inside the sunken boat by the Malaysian Maritime Special Task and Rescue (STAR) Team divers.
However, another crew, Mohd Aswal Arman, 32, who is an Indonesian national, has yet to be found.
“Throughout the operation, rough sea conditions made it difficult for assets to continue the search in several sectors,” he said in a statement here on Thursday.
He said a total of 16 assets were deployed, involving the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), the Royal Malaysia
Police (PDRM), the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), as well as the maritime community.
The search covered an area of 492 square nautical miles, but no new leads were discovered up to the fourth day of the operation.
Investigations found that both victims had gone out to catch prawns on Nov 22, while the missing persons report was only lodged on Nov 28.
The long duration of the disappearance, exceeding 12 days, is believed to have reduced the chances of locating the victim.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Rescue Sub Center (MRSC) Kota Kinabalu, on behalf of the Sabah and W.P. Labuan State Maritime Director, Maritime First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali, expressed appreciation to all partner agencies for their cooperation throughout the operation.
MMEA advises the maritime community to always prioritise safety during sea activities, including wearing life jackets, ensuring communication equipment is functional, and ensuring boats are in good condition before heading out to sea.
Members of the public who have information related to this incident may channel it through the emergency hotline 999 or contact the Sandakan Maritime Zone Operations Center at 089-221923 for immediate action.
