Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has still not been able to trace the missing cargo ship Sah Lian, which was reported missing on September 7, although it was earlier reported that it has been found 23 nautical miles from Miri last night.

Sarawak Region enforcement chief Maritime First Admiral Ismaili Bujang Pit said the ship owner had told him they had been contacted by a cargo ship which had spotted Sah Lian at 10.45 last night, and informed that the ship was found drifting after having experienced a breakdown.

As reported by Bernama, the MMEA then rushed to the location where the ship was said to have been found, but until 3pm, it was still untraceable.

"We have no precise information. Once we find the ship, we will bring it to the port, to investigate the damage, render treatment to the crew members and record their statements.

"We expect the best," he said at a press conference at the MMEA Sarawak regional headquarters at Komtas, Muara Tebas on Thursday.

Bernama added, Ismaili said the ship was said to have suffered damage to its gearbox.

He said after receiving reports of the missing cargo ship on Monday, the MMEA deployed all its assets operating in the marine and maritime area in Kuching, Bintulu and Miri, with the assistance of a C-130 aircraft from the Royal Malaysian Air Force based in Labuan.

He said according to the shipping company manager, the last time the ship’s captain Haryanto Iskandar was contacted was on September 2 when the ship was in Tanjung Sirik.

The ship left Kuching Port on September 2 and was scheduled to arrive at Limbang Port on September 5.

The ship was carrying cargo worth RM2.5 million with 14 crew members onboard.