MELAKA: Two fishermen were reported missing after their boat suffered engine failure in the waters off Pulau Undan here on Thursday (Jan 16).
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency received a report of the incident involving the boat's skipper, 63-year-old Muarep Sakem, and 50-year-old crew member Rosenizam Maharam via the Maritime Friends WhatsApp group at 5pm on Thursday.
The agency’s Melaka and Negeri Sembilan director Captain (M) Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz said the victims last contacted their employer to inform him of the boat's engine failure at 10am the same day, adding that they had gone out fishing two days ago on Wednesday.
"Upon receiving the report, the Johor Bahru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) immediately activated the search and rescue operation at 7.30pm,” he said in a statement on Friday.
He said the SAR operation covering an area of more than 548sqkm was resumed this morning with more than 58 personnel from the MMEA, police, Fire and Rescue Department and Sapura, as well as one MMEA boat, two Marine Police Force (PPM) boats, a Kevlar boat and two aluminium boats belonging to the JBPM.
He urged those with information to contact the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan MMEA at 06-3876730 or the 24-hour 999 emergency line. - Bernama