Search underway for missing fishing boat crewman
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has activated a searchand-rescue (SAR) operation in Igan waters following a report of a fishing boat crewman who is suspected to have fallen into the sea.
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Zin Azman Md Yunus said the Maritime Rescue and Search Centre (MRSC) Kuching received information from the Ulu Lanang Police Station Sunday night that the crewman was believed to have fallen into the sea at about 19 nautical miles from Kuala Igan, early Sunday morning.
“A friend of the victim had informed their employer that the victim was feared to have fallen from the boat, after they had realised the victim was missing and not on the boat at 8am yesterday (Sunday) morning,” said MMEA in a statement.
MMEA Sarawak said the victim, identified as Azrie Shafian Floren, 28, was clad in a blue shirt and black shorts at the time of the incident. No new leads were found as of 7.30pm Sunday, with the SAR operation focused around the position where the
victim was believed to have fallen into the sea.
“(In view of the incident) MMEA would like to urge the maritime community to avoid going to sea if the weather is bad. Should there be an urgent situation in which there is a need to go to
sea, prioritise safety by always wearing a safety jacket,” it siad. Any emergency at sea can be reported directly to the Malaysia Emergency Response Services (MERS) 999 number, or to the Malaysian Maritime Operations Centre Sarawak on 082-432544.