Banting boat capsize: 20 remain missing

The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the remaining 20 illegal immigrants who are still missing following the boat capsize incident inear Sungai Air Hitam, Banting resumed for the third day.

South Selangor Zone Fire and Rescue department chief Azmi Sadon said, the SAR team are facing difficulties due to the strong waves.

“Around 12 noon today we stopped the operation for awhile and continued at 3pm in the coastal areas.

“The K9 unit has been sent to sector B which is the location where most of the victims were found but unfortunately failed to identify them,” he told reporters here today.

According to Azmi, the operation will resume at 8pm which will only concentrate on the shoreline.

The SAR operation comprised of five zones which involved the cooperation of the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Department (JPAM) and Royal Malaysian Polis (PDRM) with the strength of 240 officers as well as assets respectively.

Azmi added, the scuba unit have also started their mission today but it only involved B zone area which is near to Sungai Air Hitam, Kuala Langat.

On Wednesday, a boat carrying 97 illegal immigrants from Indonesia left the Sungai Judah Jetty at Carey Island around 11pm and sank an hour later.

As of now, 63 of the victims have been rescued, 14 are found dead while another 20 are still missing.