Sabak Bernam boat capsize: Search area extended, more assets deployed
Search area for the Sabak bernam boat capsize victims have been extended this morning while more assets are deployed in the operation
The authorities are continuing the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the Sabak Bernam boat capsize tragedy victims by extending the search area to 550 square kilometres and deploying more assets in the operation.
The operation which involves the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will also mobilise three assets, Bombadier helicopter, Daulphin and EC 725.
Fire and Rescue Department, Department of Civil Defence (JPAM), Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) and police marine have each mobilised their assets, bringing to total the number of assets to 19 with 353 members and officials.
As of Friday 11am, the number of victims remained at 15 with 13 women and two men. A total of 19 victims were rescued so far.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak offered condolences to the families of victims killed in the boat capsize.
"The boat capsize in Sabak Bernam is a sad incident. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will continue with the search and rescue operation. Al -Fatihah and my condolences to the families of passengers who were killed," he said in his Twitter posting today.
The boat, measuring about 12 metres long, was on its way from Kuala Sungai Bernam to Tanjong Balai, Indonesia.
The boat ferrying some 70 people, believed to be Indonesian illegal immigrants, capsized about nine nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Sauh reportedly around 5am Thursday.
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