TANJUNG MANIS: The body of a 48-year-old man feared drowned while casting nets for prawns at Pantai Belawai was found this morning (Feb 20), bringing a three-day search operation to an end.
The victim, identified as Sabarudin Awang Kamarudin, had been reported missing on Wednesday (Feb 18) after he was seen struggling in the water near Kampung Tepi Laut, Belawai.
According to witnesses, the victim was fishing for prawns when he suddenly began to sink and was seen waving his hands for help before disappearing beneath the surface.
He was not wearing a life jacket at the time.
Search and rescue (SAR) operations resumed at 7.45am today, involving the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), police, Civil Defence Force (APM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Coastal Guard), Rela and local villagers.
The body was located at 9.48am, about one kilometre from the spot where he was believed to have fallen into the water.
The remains were handed over to police for further action. The operation was officially called off at 10.30am.
