MMEA launches a search and rescue operation for six anglers and a skipper reported missing off One Fathom Bank near Pulau Ketam.
SHAH ALAM: Six anglers and a skipper were reported missing after failing to be detected in the waters off One Fathom Bank, near Pulau Ketam early this morning.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Selangor Director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said his party received an emergency report at 3:35 am today regarding the disappearance of the group of anglers after they were found to have departed from the Sementa Jetty.
He said following the information, MMEA assets were deployed as early as 3:40 am before the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation was officially activated at 5:00 am.
“The sea search sector covers an area of 118.4 square nautical miles, while the aerial search covers an area of 509.6 square nautical miles around the waters of One Fathom Bank.
“MMEA is deploying sea and air assets simultaneously to widen search coverage and increase the effectiveness of efforts to locate the victims,” he said through a statement today.
Abdul Muhaimin said the operation is being carried out in an integrated manner with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) through the North Klang District Police Headquarters (IPD) and the Port Klang Marine Police Force, as well as the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) from the Sungai Pinang Fire and Rescue Station (BBP).
“MMEA assets involved in the operation include the Bot Penggalang 1 and a CL415MP (Bombardier) aircraft, alongside RH16 assets of the Marine Police Force and an aluminum boat belonging to JBPM.
“The SAR operation is still actively underway as all seven anglers including the skipper have yet to be detected or contacted. Any latest developments regarding the operation will be informed from time to time,” he said.
Earlier, a social media post went viral informing that the seven individuals had yet to return after going out fishing at sea, and they were supposed to arrive at the Sementa Jetty no later than 8:30 pm last night.
