LUMUT: Authorities have expanded the search radius for seven undocumented migrants, still missing after their boat capsized off Pulau Pangkor, to 343 nautical square miles on the third day of search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Perak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Maritime Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the expanded area focuses on potential zones identified from earlier recoveries.
"Today's search focuses north of Pulau Pangkor, based on evidence that victims drifted there. As of 2.30pm on day three, no bodies have been found," he said on Wednesday (May 13).
ALSO READ: Boat capsize off Pangkor: Seven bodies found so far
"But Perak MMEA, the Marine Police Force and Royal Malaysian Navy will intensify searches in designated sectors," he told reporters at the Kampung Acheh Marine Police Jetty.
Capt Shukri said sea currents pose a major challenge, potentially carrying victims far from where the boat capsized on Monday (May 11), adding that today's search would continue until 7pm and resume the following morning.
"Tomorrow's operation will run from 7am to 7pm with the same assets, though we may expand the search area as needed," he said.
ALSO READ: 23 illegal immigrants rescued off Pulau Pangkor
To date, 23 victims have been rescued alive and seven found dead over the three-day operation.
On Tuesday (May 12), Perak MMEA reported rescuing 23 Indonesian migrants after their boat capsized off Pulau Pangkor near Lumut.
The boat is believed to have been carrying 37 undocumented Indonesian migrants and was operated by a Myanmar crew.
It departed Kisaran, Indonesia, on Saturday (May 9) for Malaysia, believed to be heading to Penang, Terengganu, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama
