Search and rescue for capsized migrant boat called off after nine days, with 43 victims found including 14 survivors and 29 deceased individuals
LANGKAWI: The search and rescue operation for a capsized boat carrying undocumented migrants in Malaysian-Thai border waters has been called off after nine days.
Kedah and Perlis Maritime deputy director (operations) Captain Zainudin Mohd Zuki said the operation ended at 6.30 pm today following a final assessment.
He stated that no new leads were found, with weather and risk considerations factored into the decision in line with SAR Standard Operating Procedures.
The operation covered a search area of 1,745.88 nautical square miles since its activation on November 9.
It began after the Langkawi Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre received a report about the first victim discovered in Langkawi waters the previous day.
“As of noon today, a total of 43 victims have been found, comprising 14 survivors (12 men, two women) and 29 deceased (15 men, nine women, two boys and three girls),” Zainudin said in a statement.
Victims were located around Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Rebak Besar, Teluk Apau, west of Tanjung Belua and Pulau Anak Datai.
All recovered victims have been handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police for identification and further action.
Zainudin added that the agency would review the situation and reactivate the SAR operation if new discoveries or leads emerge.
More than 300 personnel and 22 assets were deployed during the nine-day operation.
Participating agencies included the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Marine Police Force, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force and Department of Fisheries.
“Maritime Malaysia optimised all capabilities and assets to ensure every search sector was fully covered,” Zainudin stated.
He expressed appreciation to all security agencies and parties involved in the extensive operation. – Bernama
