SEBUYAU: Search and rescue (SAR) operations for two missing men ― Francis Awi and Isa Uja ― continue, with the search radius now widened and involving assets from various agencies.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak director First Admiral (Maritime) Zin Azman Md Yunus said the search for Francis in Pulau Burong waters entered Day 5 today.
“The search focused around the waters of Pulau Burong, Sebuyau and Triso, and has been expanded to 212.64 square nautical miles.
“As of 2 pm, the inclement weather and sea conditions have made the search challenging.
“Overall, the total search area from the first day to today was 919.22 square nautical miles.”
A total of 60 personnel from MMEA, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defence Force (APM), Sarawak Coast Guard (SCG) and People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), are involved in the search for Francis, with four maritime assets deployed.
Thirty-nine-year-old Francis, who is a crew member of a fishing boat, was reported to have fallen into the waters of Pulau Burong on Monday. The incident happened around 6.30 am, about 10 nautical miles off Sebuyau.
Meanwhile, First Admiral (M) Zin Azman said the search for Isa in Sungai Rama entered Day 2 today, and six boats from Bomba, APM, Sarawak Rivers Board and local fishermen were involved.
Thirty-five-year-old Isa Uja, a crew member of a fibre boat, was reported missing after the boat capsized when it collided with a sand cargo ship in Sungai Rama on Wednesday.
It was said that the victim and his friend were aboard the fibre boat and heading back to Sebuyau before the collision happened around 3 am.
The friend managed to save himself by holding onto the rope of the cargo ship while the victim disappeared into the waters.
