KUCHING: Search and rescue (SAR) operations for a 31-year-old diver feared drowned in waters near Satang Island entered the third day today.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak deputy operations director Captain Yousry Yaali said today’s search perimeter covered an area of 373.73 square nautical miles off Satang Island, a popular diving spot.
“Aerial search by the Royal Malaysian Police’s (PDRM) Air Unit covered an area of 118.80 square nautical miles, while drone search covered an area of 165 square nautical miles, from Tanjung Sipang to Utara.
”The marine police diving team carried out searches around the victim’s last known location. Firefighters conducted searches around Satang Island water,” he pointed out.
The SAR was conducted by 55 personnel from various agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, marine police, PDRM, PDRM Air Unit and Civil Defence Force.
Five boats, an aircraft and a drone were also used. As of 4pm today, the victim, Chong Su Sian, was yet to be found.
On Saturday, Chong, an experienced diver, went on a diving trip. She reportedly decided to make one last dive alone, about 23 nautical miles off Satang Island.
She did not surface after one hour and 20 minutes, prompting fellow divers to search for her but to no avail.
