KUCHING, April 20: Diving enthusiasts are advised against solo diving, especially in deep sea.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak director First Admiral Zin Azman Md Yunus in a statement said: “We strongly advise divers to dive in pairs or groups. Those who wish to undertake any deep sea diving activities are also urged to inform the authorities.”
The statement from MMEA came after the disappearance of Chong Su Sian, 31, who was reported missing at around 4.20pm last Saturday (April 17) while diving with some friends some 23 nautical miles (41km) from Pulau Satang.
Search and rescue operations have been carried out by MMEA and other agencies over the last two days but failed to locate Chong or detect any relevant objects and clues as to her disappearance.
Video courtesy of MMEA
“Yesterday, the search sector covered 466.68 nautical miles around the waters of Pulau Satang Besar. An aerial search with Cessna Caravan around the waters of Pulau Satang was also made throughout the day.
“The victim’s family members also participated in the search by boarding MMEA’s assets. As of 6pm, there was no clues of Chong’s whereabouts and the SAR was adjourned due to limited visibility,” Zin Azman said, adding that operations resumed at 7am today.
He also disclosed that Chong was reportedly diving alone and disappeared after she did not resurface an hour and a half later.
A total of 41 personnel from MMEA, police, marine police, police air unit, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force were involved in the SAR, utilising various sea assets and also drones.— DayakDaily
