TANJUNG MANIS: No new leads were found on the third day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation yesterday for a local skipper reported missing in Tanjung Jerijeh waters after his fishing boat capsized on Monday (Apr 3).
As at press time, the missing skipper identified as 30-year-old Wong Pak Wei, is still missing.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tanjung Manis Zone director Commander Maritim Gilbert Tinggak Numpang said the search focused around Tanjung Jerijeh waters in Belawai, covering an area of 50.92 square nautical miles.
“As of 1.30 pm, no new leads surfaced during the operation.
“The weather conditions were reported to be raining with wind speeds from 10 to 20km per hour and waves around 0.5 to 1m high.
“The search involved 45 rescuers from the agency, police, Marine Police, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force (APM), with five maritime assets and 11 local fishing boats,” he said.
The victim was reportedly shirtless and only wearing shorts prior to the capsizing incident last Monday.
On Tuesday (Apr 4), Gilbert said six persons, including the victim, were on board a fishing boat when a storm struck, causing the boat to capsize around 6.30 pm that day.
“Five victims comprised two locals, two Indonesians and a Myanmar national, were wearing life jackets and floated in the open sea for 18 hours before a local fishing boat rescued them around 12.40 pm on Tuesday.
“The survivors were then brought to the Belawai Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) jetty before being taken to the Belawai health clinic for treatment,” he said.
