KUCHING: Eight local anglers, missing at sea since Oct 31, were found safe yesterday (Nov 2).
A fishing boat carrying the eight men, aged 17 to 53, departed from Semariang Batu Jetty on Oct 29.
They were expected back on Oct 31 but failed to return.
Concerned family members alerted the authorities on Nov 1.
A search and rescue operation was launched involving the police, MMEA, and the Air Force, focusing on the waters around Paloh in Belawai.
“Yesterday (Nov 2) at 1.45 pm, another fishing boat contacted the missing boat, and all eight individuals were found safe in Ohcoi waters, about 38 nautical miles northwest of Belawai,” said Kuching police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah.
He added that an engine problem delayed their return on Oct 31.
The anglers and their boat were escorted back to Semariang Batu Jetty, arriving at 5.25 pm.
They were taken to the hospital for medical check-ups.
