LANGKAWI: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the capsized boat carrying undocumented migrants in Malaysian-Thai border waters was called off Monday (Nov 17) after nine days, covering a search area of 1,745.88 nautical square miles.
Kedah and Perlis Maritime deputy director (operations) Capt Zainudin Mohd Zuki said the operation would end at 6.30pm Monday after a final assessment found no new leads, besides factoring in weather and risk considerations, in line with SAR Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
He said the operation was activated on Nov 9 after the Langkawi Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) received a report on the discovery of the first victim in Langkawi waters the day before.
"As of noon on Monday, a total of 43 victims have been found, comprising 14 survivors (12 men, two women) and 29 deceased (15 men, nine women, two boys and three girls).
"The victims were found throughout the operation at several locations around Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Rebak Besar, Teluk Apau, west of Tanjung Belua and Pulau Anak Datai," he said in a statement.
Zainudin said all the victims found had been handed over to the police for identification and further action.
He added that if there were any new discoveries or leads, the agency would review the situation and reactivate the SAR operation to locate victims still missing.
He said more than 300 personnel and 22 assets were deployed during the nine-day operation, involving the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), marine police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force and the Fisheries Department.
"Maritime Malaysia optimised all capabilities and assets to ensure every search sector was fully covered.
"Maritime Malaysia also extends its appreciation to all security agencies and parties involved who assisted throughout the operation," he said. - Bernama
