By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 30: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the last missing victim of a fishing vessel tragedy near Pulau Burong on Dec 17 has been reactivated today after new leads emerged.
The mission, previously called off on Dec 27 after no further clues were found, focuses on locating Chaloem Sonada, 64, a Thai national and captain of the ill-fated vessel.
According to the Kuching District Civil Defence Force (APM), local fishermen reported discovering a body in the waters of the Sampun Asajaya/Samarahan river estuary on Dec 29 at approximately 12.23pm.
Authorities believe the body may belong to Chaloem.
“Following discussions with relevant agencies, today’s search will proceed via the Asajaya land route due to low sea water levels, which prevent boats from accessing the area,” the report stated.
The tragedy unfolded on Dec 17 when a local fishing vessel carrying six foreign nationals—two Indonesians, three Cambodians, and one Thai—encountered trouble in Pulau Burong waters.
The incident came to light after the vessel owner reported it missing on Dec 23, leading to the launch of the search.
Five crew members have since been rescued, leaving Chaloem as the sole unaccounted-for individual. — DayakDaily
