Body of seven-year-old boy found in Semporna waters

Body of seven-year-old boat capsize victim was recovered on Sunday in Semporna waters.

KOTA KINABALU: The body of a seven-year-old boy who went missing three days ago when a boat capsized in Semporna waters has been recovered.

A Sabah Fire and Rescue Services Department spokesman said the boy, Padli Ambit, was recovered in waters off Kg Pukas around 3pm Sunday (July 16).

The spokesman said the body was found by the Armed Forces Joint Task Force 2 (ATB2) search team about 300m from the location where the boat capsized in waters off Pulau Nusa Tengah on July 14.

The boy's remains were identified and handed over to the police for further action.

The multi-agency search and rescue operations involving firemen, ATB2, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Marine Police was officially called off at 4.30pm, the spokesman said.

Another seven year-old boy, Nasirin Katibin, drowned while their fathers – aged 25 and 28 – were rescued by marine police on patrol in the area shortly after the incident. Nasirin's body was recovered on the same day.

The boys were travelling with their father back to Pulau Nusa Tengah when the boat capsized in choppy Menampilik waters.

All four are Pelahus who do not have any documents.