MMEA launches operation for missing boat with 12 anglers

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has launched a search and rescue (SAR) operation for a boat with three crew and 12 anglers which went missing after it lost contact with its owner last night.

Kuching Maritime District Director Captain (M) Shahref Steve Mac Queen Abdullah said the operation was conducted after the boat owner, known as Alice Lim, lodged a report at about 8.15 pm yesterday when she lost contact with the boat, named 'Sea Wonder'.

He said Alice's last contact with the boat was at about 4 pm when it was at a location about 82 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Po.

He said the three crew on the boat were skipper Phoo Kie Kuang, Kandas, and Ariffin, but the names of the anglers could not be ascertained as there was no manifest on them.

Following the incident, Shahref advised boat owners and anglers to inform the agency when going to the sea for fishing or other recreational actvities.

"Furnish complete information on the sailing schedule, fishing location, names of the crew and passengers as well as address, identity card number and emergency contact number to facilitate the Malaysian Maritime to take action in case of an emergency," said in a statement today.

He advised family members, relatives and friends of the 12 anglers on board 'Sea Wonder', which left Kampung Geobilt here, to contact the Sarawak Region Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544.

-- BERNAMA