BALIK PULAU: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for two local fishermen missing after their boat was reported to have drifted off Kerachut, Kuala Sungai Pinang, was called off on Saturday (Dec 21).
The operation ended after five days of searching yielded no new findings or clues, according to Barat Daya dOCPD Asst Comm Sazalee Adam (pic).
The five-day operation covered an area of 4,802 nautical miles, or 8,884 square kilometres. The SAR operation involved 90 officers and personnel from the police, the Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Civil Defence Force (APM), and local fishermen.
"Various efforts were made to locate the two men, utilising all available assets and resources from the involved agencies, including the the police Air Wing Unit and boats,” he said.
Despite assistance from fishermen from Kuala Sungai Pinang and Teluk Bahang, the search yielded no clues, leading to the decision to call off the operation, Sazalee announced at a press conference at the Kuala Sungai Pinang Jetty.
Muhammad Ikmal Hakimi Ismail, 22, and Nor Hasrul Abdullah, 25, went missing after their boat was believed to have drifted in the waters off Kerachut, Kuala Sungai Pinang, last Monday.
Although the SAR operation has been called off, the MMEA will continue search efforts during routine patrols, with the assistance of local fishermen.
Sazalee said that the boat the two men were on might have been swept away by the strong current to the north and that the police would request assistance from the authorities in Indonesia and Thailand to help locate the victims. – Bernama
