Search intensifies for 4 missing off Balambangan Island
MMEA Sabah has deployed more ships, boats and helicopters in the search-and-rescue operation for the four people who went missing.
KOTA KINABALU: The search for a Malaysian and three foreigners who went missing since setting out on a boat from Balambangan Island, Kudat, to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau on Monday entered the second day today with the search area expanded to 30 nautical miles.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for Sabah and Labuan said in a statement today that the four were believed to have disappeared between the waters of Kalampunian Island and Balambangan.
MMEA Sabah and Labuan regional director, First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som said more ships, boats and helicopters had been deployed in the search-and- rescue operation for the four and the boat owned by Tommy’s Place resort.
“The marine police and Royal Malaysian Navy are assisting in the operation. The Sabah and Labuan Maritime Rescue Control Centre (MRCC) has also activated its search and rescue efforts for the second day,” he said in the statement.
The four missing people are a 23-year-old Malaysian named Ella, Tommy Lam Lai Yin from China, 44, and Spaniards David Hernandes Gasulla, 29, and Martha Miguel, 30.
The four did not show up at their expected time of arrival in Tanjung Simpang Mengayau after leaving Kampung Batu Sirih, Balambangan Island at around 5.30pm on Monday.
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– BERNAMA