BINTULU, Jan 1: A search and rescue team is searching the waters of Kuala Serupai in Tatau here for a missing 23-year-old man after a boat was found abandoned near the beach around 2.25 am today.
Sarawak Maritime Bintulu acting director Commander Effendy Mohamed Fadil, in a statement, revealed that the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation has been activated following a report.
“Currently, we suspect that the victim is Mohd Ainul Hadian based on the boat license record and this information was also confirmed by the victim’s parents.
“A SAR Forward Base has been set up in front of the house of the victim’s father in Kuala Tatau here,” he said.
According to the victim’s father, Effendy added that there was a safety jacket with the victim and he could possibly know how to swim.
The victim was last seen wearing a grey shirt and short pants.
Effendy updated that the current turbulent sea condition with waves as high as 3.5 to 4.5 meters as well as the unpredictable weather were making it difficult for the SAR operation which involved 25 members assisted by assets from marine police, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and Civil Defence Force.
“Two marine assets namely the KM Jepak and Kilat 44 have been deployed for the SAR operation,” he said.
The SAR operation has been suspended at 6pm due to low visibility and it will resume at 7am tomorrow.
As such, Sarawak Maritime Bintulu reminded the marine community especially in Bintulu to place their safety as a priority by putting on their safety jacket while at sea considering the unfavourable sea and weather conditions of late.
Malaysia Maritime always welcomes the marine community throughout Sarawak to report any suspicious and illegal activities by contacting MERS 999 or Maritime Sarawak Operation Centre at 082-432544 or Maritime Bintulu Operation Centre at 086-314254. -DayakDaily
