GEORGE TOWN: A local crew member, who went missing after allegedly falling from a fishing boat in waters near Pulau Kendi, Batu Maung, on Wednesday (June 24), was found drowned near Pulau Betong.
Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the victim's body was discovered at 2.30pm on Friday (June 26) and subsequently handed over to the police for further action.
"The search and rescue (SAR) operation was fully concluded at 7.15pm after the victim was found," he said.
He added that the MMEA extends its appreciation to all rescue agencies and members of the fishing community for their cooperation throughout the operation.
Earlier, Balik Pulau OCPD Asst Comm Anuwal Ab Wahab said police received a report on the incident involving the victim, Tang Chin Khoon, 51, at 8:53am on Thursday (June 25), following which a SAR operation was launched.
The victim was said to have gone out to sea with a skipper and two other companions to fish at about 6pm on Wednesday.
Upon returning at about 10pm, the boat operator realised the victim was not on board and believed he had fallen into the sea near Pulau Kendi. – Bernama
