Round-the-clock op to search for the missing

KOTA KINABALU: The search and rescue operation for four more tourists from China and a crew member who are still missing after a catamaran capsized in the waters off Sabah on Saturday will continue over the next 24 hours.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Puzi Kahar said two sets of crew would be deployed by the agencies involved in the operation, namely the MMEA, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force and the police.

Ahmad Puzi said about 20 types of marine and air assets, including two used by the Brunei authorities to look for the victims in their waters, were used in yesterday’s operation alone.

“Today, we covered an area of 2,000 sq nautical miles compared to only 400 sq nautical miles and 1,000 sq nautical miles a day earlier.

“Overall, the search area covered today is 2,400 square nautical miles if we take into account the search in the waters off Brunei,” Ahmad Puzi said after taking part in the operation along with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.

Ahmad Puzi said that based on the locations where 23 other victims were found, the MMEA did not rule out the possibility of the missing victims drifting west, and hence, the operation yesterday also headed in that direction.

He said a total of 350 enforcement and rescue personnel were involved in the operation, not including those assisting from their respective offices.

Asked on the capacity of the capsized catamaran, Ahmad Puzi said a statement on the matter would only be made after a comprehensive investigation had been carried out over the next 24 hours.

“Our priority now is to focus on the search and rescue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Puzi said all tourist boat companies must comply with the licensing requirements and the public should lodge a complaint if the companies involved fail to do so.

Police are also focusing on the safety aspects after they had to revise the number of those missing from six to five yesterday after a China tourist, Li Qun, who was listed as being on the boat showed up to say he did not board the packed vessel.