Editor’s note: This news story has been updated to reflect the correct information as updated by APM in its report issued on Jan 28, 2025.
By DayakDaily Team
LAWAS, Jan 28: A search and rescue (SAR) operation is underway after a cargo vessel, Salim 6, carrying rocks, capsized off the coast of Kampung Awat-Awat in Lawas earlier today.
The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Lawas reported that six out of the seven crew members, including the captain, have been rescued. However, one individual, identified as Zauyik Anang Fatmanto, a 42-year-old Indonesian national, remains missing.
The incident was reported to APM at 2.30pm by the vessel’s operating company after losing contact with Salim 6.
The vessel sank with all its crew aboard, forcing them to evacuate using an emergency liferaft.
The survivors reached the shores near Kampung Awat-Awat and sought assistance from the village chief.
The rescued crew members include one Malaysian aged 27 and five Indonesians aged between 21 and 40.
They were transported to Labuan by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for further care and investigation.
Today’s SAR operation covered a search radius of 3 nautical miles from Kampung Awat-Awat to the capsizing site.
Despite extensive efforts by multiple agencies—including the police (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), and the Sarawak Rivers Board (UKPS)—operations were halted at 4pm due to deteriorating weather conditions that posed risks to rescuers.
The SAR operation will resume tomorrow (Jan 29), with updates on the missing crew member provided as they become available. – DayakDaily
