ALOR SETAR: A Thai crew member of a Malaysian fishing boat who fell into the sea during an excursion off Pulau Bidan last Thursday was found drowned.
Kuala Kedah Maritime director Commander Noor Azreyanti Ishak said the body of Donbagee Tingsa, 33, was found at 8.30am about two nautical miles off Pulau Bidan yesterday.
“The body was taken to Jeti Sungai Udang Yan and handed over to the police for further action,” she said in a statement.
The victim was discovered missing by the boat skipper at about 2.25pm last Thursday as they were fishing about 1.8 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Bidan. He then filed a report.
Following the report, the Langkawi Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre activated the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, which also involved the participation of the Marine Police Force, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force and local fishing boats.
Noor Azreyanti encouraged those participating in maritime activities to take precautions such as donning life jackets, checking the weather forecast and ensuring the boats are in excellent condition.
She also advised fishermen to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
