Search for remaining five catamaran victims continues

KOTA KINABALU: The search and rescue operation for the remaining five victims in the tour boat which capsized in Sabah waters last month continues and enters its 26th day today.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director (Sabah and Labuan), First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som said the search sector still covers 300 square nautical miles of the waters off Sabah, Miri (Sarawak) and Brunei.
"The search operation involves nine assets, comprising three from MMEA, Royal Malaysian Navy (two), marine Police Force (three) and one belonging to a Brunei security agency," he said in a statement today.
In the tragedy which occurred on Jan 28, the catamaran, carrying 28 Chinese national tourists and three crew, capsized after being hit by strong winds and huge waves after leaving the Tanjung Aru jetty here for Pulau Mengalum, a tourist attraction about 56km northwest of Kota Kinabalu.
So far, 26 victims have been found, including four who died. — Bernama