TANJUNG MANIS: Strong tidal currents and rough waves forced the suspension of the search and rescue (SAR) operations for a 48-year-old man feared drowned at Pantai Belawai here this evening (Feb 19).
The operations, which entered its second day today, were halted at 5 pm following discussions with police after conditions were deemed unsafe for rescue personnel.
The victim, identified as Sabarudin Awang Kamarudin, was reported missing on Wednesday after he allegedly fell into the sea while shrimp netting at the coastal area of Kampung Tepi Laut, Belawai.
Witnesses said he was seen struggling and waving for help before disappearing beneath the surface. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
A spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the search resumed at 7 am today, with a rescue boat deployed at 7.40 am.
Search efforts were conducted within a two-kilometre radius using surface searching methods, involving Bomba, police, Civil Defence Force (APM), Coastal Guard, People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) and villagers.
Family members and villagers also attempted to locate the victim using trawl nets and by dragging fishing nets along the shoreline.
As of press time, the victim had yet to be found. The SAR operation will resume at 8 am tomorrow (Feb 20).
