SEBUYAU: The search and rescue (SAR) operations for the missing crew members of the capsized vessel, MV Tung Sung, was officially called off yesterday (July 31) after 12 days.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak director First Admiral Zin Azman Md Yunus said the operation ended around 6.30 pm after there are no new lead.
However, the search will resume if new leads surface.
“Yesterday, the rescue team found a body in the cabin of MV Tung Sung around 12.14 pm.
“Further checks in the engine room of the vessel found that no signs of the remaining three victims who are still missing.
“The body was taken to the Sarawak Rivers Board Sebuyau jetty to be handed over to the police for transportation to the Sarawak General Hospital for identity confirmation and further investigation,” he said.
On July 19, MV Tung Sung carrying landscaping rocks to Sibu from Kuching, encountered strong waves causing it to capsize near Pulau Burung at around 9 pm.
Due to communication difficulties at sea, the SAR operation could only be initiated the following day (July 20).
A total of eight crew members, aged between 20 and 52, were onboard the ship at the time of the accident.
Among them were Chieng Siew Ngiek, Wong Hua Wu, and Stimba Chuit from Sibu; Myanmar nationals That Min July, Ye Lin Htet, Hla Win Tun and Tun Lin Oo; and Indonesian Lido Ali Purwanto.
On July 22, rescuers managed to find four bodies believed to be crew members.
Later, on July 24, a shipping company named Hap Lee Shipping was appointed to conduct the flotation works for the overturned ship and they succeeded in refloating the vessel on July 30.
The ship was then towed to a location about eight nautical miles northwest of Sebuyau to be fully stabilised before a search on the ship can be performed.
As of today, the rescue agencies have recovered a total of five bodies, who are believed to be the crew members and they are yet to be identified.
Three more victims of the ship are still missing.
