KABONG: The search for a missing father-and-son duo at sea has taken a tragic turn after authorities confirmed that the body recovered in Beting Yu waters, Muara Kabong yesterday morning (Sept 6), was that of the father.
Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggie confirmed the deceased as Tuah Bujang, 57, a fisherman from Kampung Hilir Kabong.
“The search and rescue (SAR) team recovered the body at 10.15 am and took it to Saratok Hospital for further action.
“The family has identified and confirmed the body as Tuah Bujang, with verification also carried out by the hospital’s Forensic Department,” he said in a statement.
At the time of writing, Tuah’s son, Muhammad Aiman Tuah, 24, remains missing.
On Wednesday (Sept 3), the two were reported missing after going out to fish off Kabong waters at around 2pm.
Following the report, a large-scale SAR operation was launched and involved the police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defence Force (APM), Police Air Unit (PGU), and People’s Volunteer Corp (RELA).
Local villagers had earlier found the victims’ boat adrift at around 9am on Thursday (Sept 4), some 5.5 nautical miles off Kabong, but the occupants were nowhere to be seen.
Today (Sept 7), the operation entered its fourth day with more than 40 personnel deployed alongside seven boats, a drone to locate the missing son.
