KOTA KINABALU: The bodies of two missing Filipinos involved in a boat collision on Monday (Aug 6) were found floating in the waters near Bohey Dulang, off Semporna on Saturday (Aug 10).
Acting Semporna district police chief Deputy Supt Fauzi Abd Kadir said that the bodies have been identified as Rommek Tura and Jimal and added that both are in their 20s.
The two were reported missing after their boat was struck by another vessel near Sebangkat Island.
“The bodies have been sent to Semporna Hospital for a post-mortem,” Fauzi said.
He added that the case is being investigated under Sections 280 and 304A of the Penal Code for rash navigation of a vessel and causing death by negligence.
Fauzi also urged the public to avoid speculating or spreading unverified information on social media, which could incite unnecessary anxiety and concern among the local community.
Both bodies were discovered by a VAT69 commando team during routine patrols at around 1.15pm, just two days after the Semporna Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) had called off the search and rescue (SAR) operation.
The earlier SAR efforts spanned 64 square nautical miles and involved seven vessels from various agencies, including the MMEA, the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Marine Police, the Civil Defence Force and Sabah Parks.
