BALIK PULAU: A 51-year-old fisherman is feared drowned after he reportedly fell overboard from a fishing vessel near Pulau Kendi off Batu Maung.
Balik Pulau OCPD Asst Comm Anuwal Ab Wahab said police received a report on the incident at 8.53am on Thursday (June 25).
"Preliminary investigations found that the fishing vessel left for sea at about 6pm on June 24.
"While returning to shore at around 10pm, the skipper realised the victim was no longer on board and is believed to have fallen into the sea near Pulau Kendi," he said in a statement on Friday (June 26)
ACP Anuwal said the victim was working as a crew member on a fishing boat with three other fishermen when the incident occurred.
ACP Anuwal said the skipper immediately began searching for the victim with the help of several nearby fishing boats, but the search was unsuccessful.
He said the marine police with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and other relevant agencies were alerted to coordinate a search and rescue (SAR) operation.
"Notifications have been issued to the fishing community and vessels operating in the surrounding waters to assist in locating the missing fisherman," he said.
ACP Anuwal said preliminary investigations found no elements of foul play, adding that the case is being classified as a missing person at sea while SAR operations continue.
He urged anyone with information on the incident or the victim's whereabouts to contact the Balik Pulau district police headquarters or the nearest police station to assist in the investigation.
"We will continue working closely with all agencies involved, and any developments will be announced from time to time," he said.
