Post by : Shakul

The search and rescue operation following the migrant boat tragedy near Pulau Pangkor has intensified after three more bodies were recovered from the sea. Malaysian authorities confirmed that the victims were believed to be undocumented Indonesian migrants whose boat capsized while travelling towards Malaysia. The latest discovery has raised the total number of victims found so far to 30 as rescue teams continue searching for the remaining missing passengers.

According to Marine Police Region One Operations Command officer DSP Mazre Che Mahmod, the three bodies were discovered by Royal Malaysian Navy vessel KD Sri Indera Sakti around 20 nautical miles away from the original accident site. The bodies were found at approximately 6 pm during ongoing rescue operations carried out in the waters near Pulau Pangkor and Lumut in Perak state.

Authorities said investigations are currently underway to confirm the identities of the newly recovered victims. Rescue officials believe the victims were among the passengers travelling on a boat carrying undocumented Indonesian migrants from Kisaran, Indonesia, to Malaysia. The boat reportedly departed Indonesia on May 9 before it capsized in Malaysian waters near Pulau Pangkor on Monday.

The tragedy has shocked local communities and raised concerns about dangerous illegal migration routes across the sea between Indonesia and Malaysia. Officials stated that a total of 37 migrants were believed to have been on board the vessel when the accident happened. So far, 23 people have been rescued alive since the search and rescue operation began on May 11.

The third day of the search and rescue mission resumed early Wednesday morning with large-scale support from multiple Malaysian agencies. The operation currently involves the Marine Police, the Royal Malaysian Navy, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Rescue teams are using marine vessels, patrol boats, and aerial surveillance aircraft to search wide sections of the sea for the remaining missing victims.

Among the assets deployed are two Marine Police boats, three Royal Malaysian Navy vessels, and three assets from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, including KM Malawali, BENTENG 1203, and a Bombardier CL415MP aircraft from the Subang Air Station. Authorities stated that challenging sea conditions and wide search areas have made rescue efforts difficult, but teams remain committed to finding all missing passengers.

The Pulau Pangkor migrant boat tragedy has once again highlighted the risks faced by undocumented migrants attempting dangerous sea journeys in search of work and better opportunities abroad. Malaysian authorities continue to coordinate rescue operations while also investigating the circumstances surrounding the illegal journey. Officials have assured that all efforts are being made to locate the remaining victims and provide support to survivors affected by the disaster.

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