SAR operation for missing anglers at One Fathom Bank near Pulau Ketam ends with no new leads

The search and rescue operation for anglers reported missing at One Fathom Bank near Pulau Ketam since last Monday was terminated yesterday after no new leads or discoveries were reported. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

First Published: Sunday, 20 Sep 2026 9:14 AM MYT

KLANG, Sept 20 — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for anglers reported missing at One Fathom Bank near Pulau Ketam since last Monday was terminated yesterday after no new leads or discoveries were reported.

Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) operations officer Lieutenant Mohd Azlee Zainal said the six-day operation covered a radius of 3,887 square nautical miles in the waters of Selangor and Perak.

“The operation until 7 pm last night did not find any new leads or the one angler who is still missing.

“Consequently, the SAR operation covering the sea and air sectors, including the waters of Hutan Melintang and Bagan Datuk, is terminated,” he told Bernama at the Forward Search and Rescue Base (PHC) at Sementa Jetty here last night.

Earlier, he also briefed dozens of family members waiting for developments on the operation at the PHC.

Mohd Azlee said that although the SAR operation had been terminated, MMEA assets would continue to conduct routine patrols and monitoring in the waters.

“We have also informed the fishermen’s association and the maritime community to cooperate if they have new information or discoveries regarding the victim. Any information can be channelled directly to the MMEA or the police for further action,” he said.

The SAR operation utilised assets including Maritime Ships (KM) Nusa and Tugau, a CL415MP aircraft and an RH33 patrol boat from the Marine Police Force (PPM).

Last Monday, Selangor MMEA launched a SAR operation after receiving an official report regarding the disappearance of seven anglers at One Fathom Bank at 3.35 am.

Four victims were found safe, while two died, namely Muhammad Ridzuan Ruhaizat, 37, and Mohamad Shahril Abd Rahman, 43, who were found in the waters of Hutan Melintang last Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

Meanwhile, Khairul Muhidin, 47, the uncle to Muhammad Ridzuan, said the remains were buried at the Jalan Kebun Barat Muslim Cemetery in Shah Alam at 5.15 pm yesterday.

The funeral prayer for the deceased, whose remains were claimed by the family at Sungai Buloh Hospital this afternoon, was held at the An-Naim Mosque in Jalan Kebun at 4.30 pm, he added.

“We accept Allah’s will and are thankful that all the deceased’s burial arrangements went smoothly, including the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing process by the hospital,” he said.

Another missing angler, Raja Mohd Rozi Raja Mahamud, 49, has yet to be found. — Bernama