MMEA activates SAR operation to locate missing fishing vessel

ALOR STAR: The Malaysian coast guard (Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency — MMEA) has activated a Search and Rescue Operation (SAR) to locate a fishing vessel reported missing while on its way back to Kuala Kurau, Perak, last Sunday.

The vessel is believed to have been carrying two Malaysians and one Thai crew member.

Kedah/Perlis Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral Romli Mustafa said the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Langkawi received a report about the missing vessel from its owner, Rama Nair, on Tuesday.

"The vessel was reported to have departed from the Kuala Kedah Jetty heading towards the Kuala Kurau Jetty on Jan 26, 2025, at about 11.30 pm. However, to date, the skipper and the crew members of the vessel remain unreachable.

"MRSC Langkawi activated the SAR operation on Jan 31, upon receiving the report.

"The search covers an area of approximately 1,218.9 square nautical miles, encompassing the waters from Kuala Kedah to Kuala Kurau," he said in a statement today (Feb 2).

Mustafa added that Forward Search and Rescue Bases have also been established at the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone Office and the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Office to coordinate operations.

The operation is assisted by two assets from the Marine Police Force.

Those with information related to the incident are urged to contact the 999 emergency line or by contacting the 24-hour MRSC Langkawi operations line at 04-9662750.