Body of Seven-Year-Old Boy Found in Semporna Waters: Tragic Discovery Sparks Incident Awareness

KOTA KINABALU: A seven-year-old boy who had been missing for three days after a boat capsized in Semporna waters has been found dead.

The body of Padli Ambit was recovered in waters off Kg Pukas on Sunday at around 3pm, according to a spokesperson from the Sabah Fire and Rescue Services Department.

A search team from the Armed Forces Joint Task Force 2 (ATB2) found the body about 300m away from the location where the boat capsized on Pulau Nusa Tengah on July 14.

The police received the boy’s remains after identification for further investigation.

The search and rescue operation, involving the firemen, ATB2, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and the Marine Police, was officially called off at 4.30pm, stated the spokesperson.

Nasirin Katibin, another seven-year-old boy, drowned in the incident. Their fathers, aged 25 and 28, were rescued by the marine police who were patrolling the area at the time. Nasirin’s body was also recovered on the same day.

The boys and their fathers were trying to return to Pulau Nusa Tengah when the boat capsized due to rough Menampilik waters.

All four individuals are Pelahus who lack proper documents.