ALOR SETAR – One crew member was rescued, while three others remain missing after a fishing vessel reportedly sank off Kuala Teriang, Langkawi, on Sunday.
Kedah and Perlis Maritime Operations deputy director Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob said Basri Mohd Nor, 47, was rescued by a local fishing vessel near the scene before being transferred to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) Rescue Boat 5.
"Search and rescue (SAR) efforts are underway to locate the three missing crew members of the fishing vessel, bearing registration number KF 5420 (B)," he said in a statement today.
Mohamad Shukri said the vessel was last contacted at about 11.33pm on Sunday, when it was approximately eight nautical miles west of Pulau Burau, Langkawi.
He said the vessel's skipper, Kee Swee Kiat, 51, was among the three missing crew members, while the identities of the other two had yet to be confirmed.
Mohamad Shukri said the SAR operation resumed at 7.30am today, involving MMEA assets KM Sugut and Kilat 6, as well as the Marine Police Force's (PPM) PLC 5.
He said the search area had been divided into three sectors based on projections generated by the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS) to ensure a more systematic and comprehensive search.
A forward control post had also been set up at the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Langkawi to coordinate the deployment of assets and personnel and monitor the progress of the operation.
"The MMEA is also intensifying search efforts in collaboration with relevant agencies and the local maritime community to widen the search area for the missing crew members," he said.
Members of the maritime community and the public with information on the incident are urged to contact the Kedah and Perlis State Maritime Operations Centre at 04-966 2750 or the emergency hotline at 999. –BERNAMA