PORT KLANG – The body of the seventh and final fisherman reported missing after an incident at sea off One Fathom Bank, Selangor, on 14 September has been recovered in waters near Kuala Kurau, Perak.
The body was discovered by local fishermen at about 5.25pm on 29 September, approximately 4.5 nautical miles southwest of the Kuala Kurau waters.
Selangor Maritime director Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the man was found fully clothed in a blue shirt and trousers before the fishermen contacted the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone to report the discovery.
A Maritime Malaysia vessel, BENTENG 03, was subsequently deployed to the location. The body was recovered and taken to the Kuala Kurau Marine Police jetty at about 7.30pm.
It was later handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for further procedures and transportation to the Forensic Medicine Department at Taiping Hospital for official identification.
The victim was subsequently identified as Raja Mohd Rozi Raja Mohamad, 49, after his wife confirmed that the clothing found on the body matched what he had been wearing when the incident occurred.
The recovery brings the search for all seven fishermen involved in the incident to an end.
A six-day search and rescue operation, known as CARILAMAT, had been conducted following the initial report that seven people were missing at sea.
Four of the seven fishermen were subsequently found safe during the operation, while two others were recovered dead before the search operation concluded.
The discovery of Raja Mohd Rozi’s body completes the recovery of all seven individuals involved in the incident.
The operation involved rescue personnel from multiple agencies, with local fishing communities also contributing information and assistance during the search.
Maritime Malaysia expressed its appreciation to the agencies involved in the search and rescue effort, as well as members of the local fishing community who assisted authorities and provided information during the operation.
The incident also prompted a renewed reminder from maritime authorities for people undertaking activities at sea to give priority to personal safety.
Abdul Muhaimin urged members of the public involved in maritime activities to take appropriate safety precautions, including wearing life jackets while at sea.
Life jackets and other appropriate safety equipment can provide an important layer of protection in emergencies, particularly when individuals encounter difficulties or are forced into the water.
Authorities also reminded the public that information relating to emergencies, suspected criminal activity or suspicious incidents at sea should be reported promptly.
Members of the public who encounter such situations can contact the emergency number 999 or the nearest Malaysian Maritime Operations Centre.
The completion of the recovery operation marks the end of the search for the seven fishermen reported missing following the incident off One Fathom Bank on 14 September, while authorities continue to stress the importance of safety precautions for all activities at sea. – Sarawak Daily
