MIRI: A large-scale search is continuing off Tanjong Payong, Niah, for two Malaysian fishermen feared missing after their fishing vessel capsized in stormy seas last week.
The ill-fated boat, registered as SF2 2102 and owned by a local operator, was struck by fierce winds and high waves at about 5:00 pm on November 5.
Six men were on board: two Malaysians and four foreign nationals.
Miri District Police Chief, ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, confirmed that four of the foreign crewmen were rescued by a tugboat operating nearby, but the two local fishermen, believed to be father and son, have yet to be found.
The vessel’s owner lodged a police report at Batu Niah Police Station at around 8:46 pm after losing contact with the crew.
A coordinated search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched immediately, involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), and the Civil Defence Force (APM).
“The search area now covers a radius of nearly 49 nautical miles. As of noon today (Nov. 12), there has been no sign of the missing men,” Farhan said in a statement.
He added that efforts to conduct underwater searches have been hampered by murky waters and unstable seabed conditions.
The vessel is believed to have sunk deep into the muddy seabed, making it difficult to locate or recover.
“The owner’s attempts to salvage the wreck have so far been unsuccessful, and no new recovery plan has been established,” he said.
Authorities have urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the incident, particularly on social media, as doing so could disrupt investigations.
“Official updates will be released through the Miri District Police’s verified Facebook page. Anyone with information should contact the Batu Niah Police Station or the nearest police station,” Farhan added.
He also reminded fishermen and boat operators to remain vigilant during the Northeast Monsoon season and to always refer to official weather forecasts before heading out to sea.
“Sea conditions can deteriorate rapidly during this period. Mariners must take all necessary precautions,” he cautioned.
As the operation enters its second week, rescue teams are pressing on despite rough conditions and fading hope. On shore, anxious families continue to wait – praying for news that their loved ones might be found.
