Two more bodies recovered in Langkawi boat capsize, bringing death toll to 28. Search operations continue for remaining missing victims
LANGKAWI: The death toll from the boat capsize incident in the Malaysia-Thailand border waters has increased to 28 following the recovery of two more bodies today.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Kedah and Perlis director First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa confirmed the latest fatalities.
A local fisherman reported discovering a girl’s body approximately 5.8 nautical miles from Pulau Cupu at 9.39 am.
A Royal Malaysian Navy boat retrieved the body and transported it to the MMEA Jetty for handover to police.
At 4.31 pm, authorities received another report about a man’s body found on Pulau Beras Basah.
The Civil Defence Force dispatched a boat to recover the body, which was also handed to police.
Romli said the current death toll comprises 14 men, nine women, two boys and three girls.
Of the 14 rescued survivors, 12 were men and two were women.
Today’s search operation was suspended at 7 pm and will resume tomorrow at 7.30 am.
“The MMEA and other agencies will intensify search operations to look for the remaining missing victims,” Romli stated.
The public can provide information by calling 04-9662750 or the 999 emergency hotline. – Bernama
