Labuan MMEA halts search for missing Indonesian fisherman

LABUAN: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for an Indonesian fisherman feared drowned while trying to free a fishing net caught in the boat's propeller on Dec 24, has been called off today.

Labuan MMEA director Capt (Maritime) Nudin Jusoh said the decision was made after deliberating with Labuan Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) and other enforcement agencies on the sixth day of the SAR operation.

"The SAR operations ended today after there was no clue in the search perimeter of the operation covering about 174 nautical miles," he told Bernama.

Nudin said the operation involved assets from MMEA, marine police, Fire and Rescue Department and Fisheries Department.

However, he said the search will be continued if there is a new lead on the whereabouts of the victim.

Nudin thanked the media for their cooperation in highlighting the SAR operation.

In the 5 pm incident, the victim, identified as Diniela Rambie, 58, had gone fishing with two other crew members at around 5 pm.

The victim and another crew member were trying to free the fishing net that got trapped in the boat's propeller, one crew returned to the boat, but the victim did not after the net was successfully freed.

-- BERNAMA