LANGKAWI, Nov 17 — The search-and-rescue (SAR) operation for the capsized boat carrying undocumented migrants in Malaysian-Thai border waters was called off today after nine days, covering a search area of 1,745.88 nautical square miles.
Kedah and Perlis maritime deputy director (operations) Zainudin Mohd Zuki said the operation ended at 6.30pm today after a final assessment found no new leads, besides factoring in weather and risk considerations, in line with the SAR Standard Operating Procedure.
He said the operation was activated on November 9 after the Langkawi Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) received a report on the discovery of the first victim in Langkawi waters the day before.
“As at noon today, 43 victims have been found: 14 survivors (12 men, two women) and 29 deceased (15 men, nine women, two boys and three girls).
“The victims were found throughout the operation at several locations around Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Rebak Besar, Teluk Apau, west of Tanjung Belua and Pulau Anak Datai,” he said in a statement today.
Zainudin said the victims have been handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for identification and further action, adding that if there are new leads, the agency will review them and reactivate the SAR to locate those still missing.
He said more than 300 personnel and 22 assets were deployed during the nine-day operation, involving the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Marine Police Force (PPM), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Civil Defence Force (APM), and Fisheries Department (DOF).
“Maritime Malaysia optimised all capabilities and assets to ensure every search sector was fully covered.
“Maritime Malaysia also extends its appreciation to all security agencies and parties involved, including the PPM, JBPM, APM, DOF, the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), PDRM, the Health Ministry (MOH), the maritime community and individuals who assisted throughout the operation,” Zainudin said.
