Search ongoing for missing fisherman

GEORGE TOWN: Maritime authorities have initiated a search and rescue (SAR) mission after a fisherman was reported missing when the boat he was in sunk this morning.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Maritime District Two Director Captain Rozali Mohd Said said the victim has been identified as Law Kiaw Ming, 56.

He said the victim is feared missing after the fishing boat sunk 13 nautical miles off the Muka Head coast about 10am.

He said two others on board the vessel were rescued by passing fishing boats and brought to shore.
“A MMEA patrol boat and a speed boat has been deployed for the SAR mission,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Southwest district police chief Supt Anuar Omar said the vessel sunk after water entered the boat.

He said investigations showed the boat was on the way back to Teluk Bahang after leaving the jetty on Friday afternoon when it encountered difficulties.

“Two of the fishermen saved themselves by holding on to oil drums and wood planks,” he said, adding the missing person is from Pangkor, Perak.