MIRI – The search-and-rescue mission to locate and save nine crew members of a missing cargo vessel in the South China Sea off the coast of southern Sarawak has been extended to a 40km radius.
The search teams are combing the location and the 40km zone in all directions, where the cargo vessel capsized around 2pm yesterday.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department today said in a press update that the search teams are using patrol boats and helicopters.
“The search teams are on the water and in the air, and are preparing to send divers into the water.
“The search covers a 40km radius already, but so far, none of the missing nine have been found,” said the department in a statement.
Yesterday, the cargo ship, named Tung Sung, reportedly capsized near Pulau Burung.
There were four Malaysians, four Myanmar nationals and one Indonesian worker on board.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, marine police and Civil Defence Unit have also embarked on the joint rescue mission.
In the South China Sea off Miri, another search is also underway for four fishermen who went missing three days ago.
The four men were said to be in two fishing vessels when they capsized after being hit by strong waves.
As of noon today, the four fishermen are still missing. – The Vibes, July 21, 2023
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