Indonesia calls off search for missing Malaysian commando

JAKARTA: The search operations by Indonesian authorities for a Malaysian army commando who is feared to have drowned in waters of Pulau Undan near the Straits of Malacca last week were called off yesterday.

Pekanbaru National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) made the decision after no clues as to the whereabouts of the missing man were found since they were alerted by their Malaysian counterparts that he could have drifted into Indonesian waters.

"We were not able to trace him after a seven-day search," agency head Nyoman Sidakarya was quoted as saying by a local news portal, Riau Online.,

However, he added that Pekanbaru Basarnas is still closely monitoring the area, and the search operation will resume if new clues are found.

Lance Corporal Edrin Baintim, 25, attached to 'Grup Gerak Khas', was reported missing on Feb 7 during a dive training session 0.7 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Undan at 5.15pm.

Putrajaya Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre sought assistance from Basarnas because the victim could have been swept into Indonesian waters. Bernama

Tags: Indonesia, Basarnas, I Nyoman Sidakarya, commando, drowned