IPOH: A fisherman who went missing in a boat fire has been found drowned with extensive burns, about 4.8 nautical miles west of Tanjung Piandang, Kuala Kurau.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Kuala Kurau zone director Maritime Commander Mohd Hairil Othman said its operations centre was alerted at about 8am on Tuesday (June 17) by a local fisherman who discovered the body.
"The victim had extensive burns. His remains were taken to the Tanjung Piandang jetty and handed over to the police for further action," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said with the discovery, the search and rescue operation involving the MMEA, Fire and Rescue Department and the local fishing community was officially called off.
In the incident at about 4am on Monday (June 16), the boat carrying three fishermen caught fire from the malfunctioning engine of the boat about 8.6 nautical miles east of Tanjung Piandang.
All three fishermen jumped overboard to save themselves but only two were rescued. The boat owner, identified as Cheah Chai Pun, 33, was reported missing.
Meanwhile, Mohd Hairil reminded the maritime community to prioritise safety at sea, particularly by wearing life jackets at all times.
"In the event of an emergency, call the emergency line 999 or WhatsApp at 011-3525 9919 or contact the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Office at 05-727 9919 for immediate assistance," he said. – Bernama
