KUCHING, Dec 27 – The search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate Chaloem Sonada, a 64-year-old Thai fisherman who went missing after a fishing vessel sank in Pulau Burong waters, has been suspended. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak confirmed the decision after five days of extensive search efforts yielded no new leads.
According to MMEA Sarawak director, First Admiral Kamal Ariffin Jusoh, the operation, known as Op Carilamat, was officially concluded at 6:00 PM yesterday.
“We have covered a total search area of 1,671.92 nautical square miles from Tanjung Sipang to Triso over the past five days. However, there have been no new findings on the missing individual. The operation will resume if new leads emerge,” said Kamal.
Extensive Multi-Agency Search Efforts
The SAR operation involved 10 agencies, including:
- MMEA
- Marine Police Force (PPM)
- Sarawak Coast Guard (SCG)
- Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM)
- Civil Defence Force (APM)
- Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB)
- Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)
- PDRM Air Operation Force (PGU)
Indirect assistance was also provided by the Malaysian Port Department Sarawak (JLM), Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), and the Fisheries Department of Sarawak (JPLS).
Timeline of the Incident
The tragedy unfolded on Dec 17 when the fishing vessel, carrying six foreign nationals, sank in Pulau Burong waters. A report lodged on Dec 23 triggered the Op Carilamat.
Five crew members, including Indonesians and Cambodians, have been rescued in separate operations between Dec 23 and Dec 24. However, Chaloem Sonada remains unaccounted for.
Public Assistance Needed
Authorities urge anyone with information on the incident to contact the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 or the emergency line at 999.