PENGERANG: The body of the last teenager reported missing in a drowning incident at Pantai Tanjung Lompat here has been found, four days after the tragedy.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tanjung Sedili acting director Maritime Commander Mohd Najib Mohd Sam said the body of Mohamad Haiman Fitri Supian was found at about 3.05pm by a member of the public, some 3.1 nautical miles from where the incident occurred.
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He said the victim was later identified and confirmed by his family.
“The search sector was expanded to 139 sq nautical miles today, based on an assessment of the currents, weather and sea conditions, as well as developments in the search,” he said here on Saturday (Sept 5).
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Najib said the discovery brought the four-day search and rescue operation, coordinated by MMEA, to an end.
He also expressed appreciation to all agencies involved for their commitment in mobilising personnel, assets and expertise throughout the operation.
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The operation involved the police, Marine Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Health Ministry and Pengerang Municipal Council.
Najib also thanked the local maritime community, particularly fishermen, boat operators and members of the public, for providing information and monitoring the waters.
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“The involvement of the local maritime community greatly assisted the search as they have knowledge of the waters in the area, allowing information to be relayed quickly to the search teams,” he said.
The operation was officially called off at 5pm on Saturday, with the forward operating base also dismantled.
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MMEA conveyed its condolences to Haiman’s family and urged the public to prioritise safety when carrying out recreational activities at beaches and in coastal waters, particularly during rough seas, high waves, strong currents or bad weather.
The agency also advised the public to check the latest weather and sea conditions before heading to beaches or conducting activities in the water.
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The incident occurred on Wednesday (Sept 2), when six teenagers from a group of 15 who had gone camping at the beach were caught in difficulties while bathing in the sea.
The group had arrived at the beach at about 6.30pm on Sept 1.
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Two of the six teenagers were rescued by members of the public on Wednesday, while the remaining four were reported missing, prompting a multi-agency search and rescue operation.
One of the missing teenagers was subsequently found dead a few hours later, while two more bodies were recovered on Sept 3 and 4.
Haiman’s discovery on Saturday brought the search for all four missing teenagers to a close.
