Body of Last Missing Angler Found in Perak Waters

SHAH ALAM: The last angler reported missing at One Fathom Bank near Pulau Ketam since Sept 14 was found drowned in the waters off Kuala Kurau, Perak, yesterday.

Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the body of Raja Mohd Rozi Raja Mohamud, 49, was found floating by local fishermen about 4.5 nautical miles southwest of the Kuala Kurau river mouth at 5.25pm.

He said the fishermen contacted the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone after finding the victim, who was wearing a blue shirt and camouflage trousers.

“The Maritime Benteng 03 boat was then deployed to the location, and the body was brought to the Kuala Kurau Marine Police Jetty at 7.30pm.

“The victim’s body was handed over to the police to be taken to the Forensic Medicine Department at Taiping Hospital for formal identification,” he said in a statement today.

Abdul Muhaimin said Raja Mohd Rozi’s identity was confirmed by his wife based on the clothes he was last seen wearing at the time of the incident.

“The discovery of the final victim completes the search for all seven victims involved in the incident.

“MMEA appreciates all rescue teams from various agencies and the local fishing community for their assistance and information throughout the search and rescue (SAR) operation,” he said.

On Sept 19, the six-day SAR operation was fully called off after no new clues or findings were detected.

The six-day sea and air search covered an area of 3,887 square nautical miles in Selangor and Perak waters, including Hutan Melintang and Bagan Datuk.

On Sept 14, Selangor MMEA launched the SAR operation after receiving an official report at 3.35am regarding seven anglers who had gone missing at One Fathom Bank.

Four of the victims were found safe, while two others, Muhammad Ridzuan Ruhaizat, 37, and Mohamad Shahril Abd Rahman, 43, died and were found in the waters off Hutan Melintang.

BERNAMA