KUCHING: Authorities have called off the search and rescue (SAR) operation for an unidentified man feared to have drowned at sea near Kampung Pasir Pandak after a fruitless search lasting for six days.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said rescuers could not find any clues to the victim’s whereabouts since Jan 26.
The decision to end the operation was made following discussions with the Kuching police chief around 12.30pm.
It will only be reactivated if there are new leads or information.
On the day of the incident (Jan 26), a witness saw the victim boarding a boat from Kampung Pasir Pandak and head out towards the sea at Sedungus Salak.
Several minutes later, the witness saw the victim’s boat floating upside down in the middle of the sea, believed to be near Kera Island.
Later, it disappeared from sight and only an object believed to be a box was seen floating in the waters.
Until today, the victim’s identity has not been determined by authorities as the police have yet to receive any missing person’s report from his family.
