DUNGUN: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for fisherman Sabrie Rusli, 32, who was feared missing after his boat capsized off Pulau Tenggol near here on Thursday (Aug 27) has been called off after no clues or discoveries were detected.
Kemaman Maritime Zone director Maritime Cmdr Abdul Halim Hamzah said the operation covered an area of approximately 801.22 square nautical miles and took into account weather conditions, sea states, currents, and the possibility of the victim drifting.
"Throughout the operation, various search methods were implemented, including surface searches, the use of sonar, diving operations, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to help detect any clues or objects believed to be related to the victim," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 31) after the decision was made to call off the SAR.
"However, until the operation was called off, no clues or discoveries linked to the victim were successfully detected."
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He added that the decision to end the operation was made after all identified search sectors had been covered, and no new information was obtained to assist in locating the victim.
He stated that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) expressed its appreciation and thanks to all agencies, rescue teams, the maritime community, and parties involved directly or indirectly throughout the operation.
"Although the operation has been called off, MMEA assets conducting routine patrols will continue to monitor the area in case there is any new information or discovery regarding the victim," he said.
It was reported earlier that Sabrie went missing after his fibreglass boat capsized at 5pm on Thursday while he was returning from a fishing trip. – Bernama
