Missing anglers found safe — MMEA

KUCHING: A group of anglers onboard a fishing vessel ‘Sea Wonder’ which went missing following communication failure 4pm on Friday have been found about one nautical mile from their last location (82 nautical miles) northeast of Tanjung Po.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Kuching district (DM11) director Capt Shahref Steve Mac Queen Abdullah said the agency received a distress call at 8.15pm and immediately activated a search and rescue (SAR) operation.

He said the marine ship deployed to the location found the the fishing vessel about 25 nautical miles from Tanjung Sirik at around 11am yesterday.

“All 12 anglers and three crew members of the vessel were safe and the boat was towed back to the agency headquarters in Muara Tebas and expected to arrive at 10pm yesterday.

“At the moment, the identities of the 12 anglers onboard have yet to be confirmed due to communication problem and focus is now on towing back the boat,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.

Steve reminded fishing operators and anglers to always inform the agency before heading out to sea to conduct their activities.

“Please contact Sarawak Regional Maritime Operations (Pusop) at 082432544 and provide complete information such as schedules, fishing locations, crew names and passengers.

“This will assist the agency during an emergency.”