BINTULU: A search and rescue (SAR) operation was activated by the Sarawak Maritime Headquarters here at 3.10pm on Thursday (Sept 17) for two missing anglers.
The boat carrying the two anglers was suspected to have overturned and capsized while on the way from Kuala Serupai Jetty, Tatau to a nearby oil rig area on Wednesday (Sept 16).
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak region director First Admiral Maritime Robert Teh Geok Chuan said the operation was activated by Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kuching upon receiving the report from the Sarawak Bomba Operations Centre at 3pm.
“A SAR control post was established in Kuala Tatau and as of 6pm on Thursday, assets such as KM Renggis, Bot Kilat 44 as well as a boat from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) were mobilised to assist in the search for the missing victims.
“Hitherto the SAR team has found an overturned boat, suspected to be the victim’s boat, about 11 nautical miles from the Temena A Platform. However, there is no sign of the victims,” he explained in a statement.
The victims identified have been identified as a local man Kinminsna Kasim and an Indonesian, Pendi Salim Husim. They were said to have gone fishing at 5.30pm on Wednesday, but failed to return home.
Their disappearance was reported by the relatives of the victims.
Malaysian Maritime urged the maritime community to prioritise security especially during turbulent sea conditions and unpredictable weather.
“Postpone any activity if circumstances do not permit. Practise safety measures while at sea by wearing a safety jacket,” he said.
The public are advised to contact the Sarawak State Maritime in the event of an emergency or suspicious incident via the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre Malaysia at 082-432544 or MERS 999 which operates 24 hours.
