1 DEAD, 18 MISSING IN BOAT CAPSIZE
25 illegals rescued off Tanjung Punggai
AWOMAN is dead and 18 others are missing after a speedboat carrying 44 illegal immigrants capsized in waters off Tanjung Punggai, near Pengerang here early yesterday.
State Malaysian Maritime Enforcement
Agency (MMEA) deputy director of operations
Captain Sanifah
Yusof said a search-and-rescue operation (SAR) was activated after MMEA was informed at 4.45am.
“The body was recovered at 9.55am. As at 3pm, we had rescued 25 illegal immigrants, while 18 others are missing,” said Sanifah, adding that the immigrants were in their 20s and 40s.
He said the incident had occurred about 6.5 nautical miles from the Tanjung Punggai Marine Jetty in Pengerang here.
“Two of the survivors swam to a nearby oil platform. Workers there informed us about the incident.”
He said rescue operations involved 144 personnel and 12 assets from agencies such as the navy, marine police and Fire and Rescue Department.
“The SAR operation involved a 388.5sq km area around Tanjung Punggai. We also contacted the Singaporean and Indonesian authorities for help. The operation will continue into the night, weather permitting.”
Sanifah said the speedboat was believed to be on its way from Batam, Indonesia, to the coast of Bandar Penawar here.
“We believe the incident occurred about midnight.
“An overloaded boat and bad weather are to be blamed.”
Sanifah said nine survivors had been taken to hospital for treatment.
“We have yet to identify the captain of the boat as we believe he is one of those who are missing,” he said.
An overloaded boat and bad weather are to be blamed. CAPTAIN SANIFAH YUSOF
Johor MMEA deputy director of operations