Five more bodies recovered in migrant boat tragedy, death toll rises to 34

 

Five more bodies were recovered on the fourth day of the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation for victims of the migrant boat tragedy near the Malaysia–Thailand maritime boundary. Courtesy of MMEA

LANGKAWI: Five more bodies were recovered on the fourth day of the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation for victims of the migrant boat tragedy near the Malaysia–Thailand maritime boundary.

This brings the total death toll to 34 - 25 found in Malaysian waters and nine in Thailand. So far, 14 survivors have been rescued, all discovered in Malaysian waters.

Kedah and Perlis Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa said today's operation intensified with the discovery of the five latest bodies — all adult males — by rescue teams.

"At about 10.10am, the marine police found a floating male body near Pulau Singa Besar. The remains were brought to the MMEA jetty before being handed over to the police for further action.

"Shortly after, the Fire and Rescue Department reported the discovery of another adult male body at Selat Chincin near Pulau Anak Datai. The remains were taken to the Kubang Badak jetty and handed over to the police," he said in a statement today.

At 3.16pm, another male body was found near Pulau Rebak Besar and taken to the Fisheries Department jetty in Kuala Cenang. Minutes later, the Fire and Rescue Department reported a fourth body near Tanjung Hulor, followed by the detection of a fifth by the department's helicopter near Pulau Rebak Besar. A Civil Defence Force (CDF) boat was deployed to retrieve the body.

Earlier, about 200 personnel from various agencies were involved in the SAR operations, which began at 7.30am. The joint operation deployed 14 air and sea assets, including vessels and aircraft from the MMEA, marine police, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Fire and Rescue Department, and the CDF.

To maximise efficiency, the search area was expanded to 329.67 square nautical miles and divided into 14 sectors. Weather conditions were mild throughout the day, with occasional light drizzles.

Romli said the MMEA and participating agencies would continue their coordinated efforts and provide updates until the operation is concluded. - NST