SIBU: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the owner of an express boat will carry on despite being officially suspended after nine days.
“We will continue to monitor, particularly on the surface of the river. We are also considering the use of new technology, such as sonar, to assist in locating victims who have yet to be found,” said Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili on Friday ( Oct 3).
ACP Zulkipli made the remarks after accompanying Dudong assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing on a speedboat visit to Tanjung Kunyit, the site where the boat sank on Sept 9.
In the 6.27pm incident that day, the victim, Hii Chye Mee, 64, was operating his express boat when it collided with a cargo vessel and sank in the waters off Tanjung Kunyit. The boat was carrying goods bound for longhouses in the area.
ACP Zulkipli said the marine police would continue the SAR efforts based on information provided by the captain of the cargo ship involved.
“To date, no victims have been located since the incident, and efforts to trace them are ongoing with the assistance of various agencies and stakeholders,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tiong, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, expressed disappointment at what he described as the irresponsibility of the shipping company involved in the collision.
He said the company had yet to visit or extend any form of assistance to the victim’s family.
“Up until today, the company has made no effort, not even to visit the family of the victim. I am deeply saddened by this attitude. We are talking about a human life here — the victim has family members still waiting for his return,” he said.
Tiong stressed that although the authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, the company should demonstrate its social responsibility towards the family.
“We are not here to apportion blame; that is the task of the police and the relevant authorities. But as human beings, we must show empathy. Do not simply assume this matter is only for the insurance company to handle,” he said.
