Indonesian boat tragedy search, rescue operation to resume today

The search and rescue operation to find the 40 Indonesians still missing following the boat tragedy about 12.7 nautical miles off Tanjung Siang, Sedili Besar, Kota Tinggi on Thursday night has been temporarily called off.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) South Region public relations officer Mohd Sahrunizam Mohamed Husin said the operation carried out by 100 personnel from various enforcement and security agencies using two ships, four speedboats and two helicopters was called off at 7.30pm on Saturday due to darkness and rough sea conditions.

"As at 7.30 pm today, no victim has been found. We will resume the search tomorrow at 7 am," he said.

The boat was carrying 44 Indonesians who were returning home to Batam, Indonesia for Aidilfitri when it capsized around 10 pm after being battered by giant waves during bad weather.

Four of the victims were rescued by a group of fishermen and the MMEA on Saturday.