CHUKAI: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for Yusof Kassam, 66. and Aina Husna Mohamad Husaini, 25, two victims of a boat accident in Kemaman waters here, has been postponed as of 7pm on Monday (Aug 12).
Kemaman Maritime Zone deputy director of operations Muhamad Faisal Abdul said Monday’s SAR operation involved an area of 318 square nautical miles (nm) from the incident location to Pulau Tenggol in the waters of Paka, Dungun.
“The operation was conducted since 7am, but we have no clues as to the location of the boat, whether it is still there or has drifted to another location,” he said at a press conference at Pangkalan Hadapan Carilamat (PHC) at the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) office in the Kemaman Zone here on Monday.
“Tomorrow, God willing, we will start at the same time and will expand the search area up to the waters of Kuala Terengganu, using air assets,” he added.
He said Monday’s weather was not favourable. At around 3pm, rough sea conditions made it difficult to locate the victims.
On Sunday (Aug 11), at 6.30am, a fishing boat with nine individuals aboard was 7 nm or 13 kilometres off the coast of Kemaman when it reportedly was hit by a barge and capsized.
Five individuals were rescued, while two drowned, and two are still missing. – Bernama
