KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Rescue operations continue in Malaysian waters as authorities work to locate 14 Indonesian nationals still unaccounted for following a deadly boat accident that left nearly two dozen survivors.
Officials from Perak state’s maritime division reported that 23 individuals were pulled from the water on Monday when a local fishing crew discovered them floating near Pangkor Island. The maritime office confirmed the victims were likely undocumented immigrants traveling by sea.
According to Perak maritime chief Capt. Mohamad Shukri Khotob, the fishing boat crew immediately requested emergency assistance after discovering the people in distress during pre-dawn hours. He confirmed that search efforts, which launched Monday, will persist until every missing person is found. Officials estimate the vessel was transporting 37 people total.
Mohamad Shukri revealed that investigators believe the group began their journey from Kisaran, Indonesia on May 9, with plans to reach various Malaysian destinations including Penang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur.
The surviving passengers have been transferred to marine police for interviews and processing.
Indonesia has historically served as a major source of migrant workers traveling to Malaysia in search of improved employment prospects. Dangerous sea crossings using overcrowded, substandard boats are common among those attempting unauthorized entry, frequently resulting in tragic accidents and fatalities. Malaysian industries, particularly plantation agriculture and construction, rely heavily on Indonesian laborers.
