Missing Kiwi a ‘fantastic guy’

amber.woolf@stuff.co.nz

The Kiwi missing after going swimming in Malaysia is Wellington builder Robert Fagan.

The 63-year-old went missing during a sailing trip, and is believed to have been swept away.

At a beach near Kota Tinggi, Fagan went swimming around an anchored yacht SV Gucci, anchored off Jason Bay Beach in Tanjung Sedili.

He was a guest on the vessel sailing in the 2018 Sail Malaysia: Passage to the East rally.

Sail Malaysia director Sazli Basha said a search and rescue operation of about 31 people was searching for him.

‘‘We are still hoping for the best even if the chances or a rescue is very slim at the moment.’’

It was believed Fagan was swept away by an undercurrent, he said.

Fagan was good friends with Brent and Deb Dewhurst, the owners of SV Gucci yacht.

Brent Dewhurst said he was on a holiday with Fagan, and they were planning to sail together from Sebana Cove Marina to Tioman Island.

Fagan had been sailing with them, on the same yacht, many times in New Zealand and South Pacific. Fagan is a builder who lives in the seaside suburb of Island Bay, Wellington.

Wellington resident Ron Bremner said Fagan was a friend of his and they had worked together, their children were the same ages, and they shared many memories over the years.

‘‘He’s a fantastic guy he’s found soon.’’

Brenmer said he spoke to Fagan very recently, when he was travelling in Australia.

Fagan was reported missing in Malaysia at 3am on Tuesday (local time). Basha said the search and rescue team were working hard and may continue for several days.

‘‘It’s ongoing ... and they [might] be there until the weekend. We can’t make any announcements until the search is over.’’

It would not be the first time someone had been swept away in Jason Bay, he said.

‘‘The Sail Malaysia organisation and all the members in the Passage to the East rally fleet wish to extend their concern and support for Fagan’s family.’’

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has set up a command post on Jason Bay Beach for the search.

MMEA search and rescue crews have been assisted by the Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force. ... I hope