ALOR SETAR: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for victims of the boat tragedy in Malaysia-Thailand border waters recovered four more bodies on Tuesday (Nov 11), bringing the total number of fatalities found by Malaysian authorities to 16.
Another survivor was found on a beach on one of the resort islands, raising the number of those rescued to 14.
Kedah and Perlis Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa said Tuesday’s operation, which resumed at 7.30am, covered an area spanning 272.78 square nautical miles.
"The first body, that of a man, was found by members of the public near the Pulau Beras Basah around 10.40 am. The Benteng 7 boat was dispatched to the scene, and the remains were brought to the MMEA jetty before being handed over to the police.
"The KM Siangin patrol vessel later found the body of a boy floating in the waters off Tanjung Chincin, which was handed over to the Perkasa 1226 boat and taken to the Teluk Ewa Jetty," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said a few minutes later, KM Siangin also discovered another unidentified body in the same area, and handed it over to the Fire and Rescue Department boat for transport to the Teluk Ewa Jetty.
"At 11.20am, a Navy vessel reported finding the body of another boy in the waters off Tanjung Belua. The remains were subsequently handed over to the police," he said.
Romli said MMEA and all participating agencies remain committed to locating the remaining missing victims.
"Despite challenging sea conditions and the wide search area, the operation continues with a strong emphasis on safety and search precision. Any new developments will be shared from time to time," he said.
A total of 130 personnel from various agencies are involved in today’s operation, supported by 11 assets, including KM Siangin, Petir 81, Perkasa 1226, Benteng 7, and a Bombardier CL 415 aircraft.
Meanwhile, Thai authorities conducting parallel SAR efforts in their waters have so far recovered nine bodies. - Bernama
