MERSING — A local fisherman reported missing after going out to cast nets in the waters off Tanjung Leman on Sunday night was found dead early Monday.
The body of Mohamad Shah Mohd Yasin, 41, was discovered washed ashore by villagers at Tanjung Rhu Beach at about 2am.
Mersing Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Suhaizan Saadin, said the agency was alerted to the incident at 9.25pm through the Johor Bahru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) after the victim’s younger brother lodged a report via the 999 emergency line.
A search and rescue operation was mounted immediately after receiving the report.
Initial information from the victim’s friend indicated that the fisherman was believed to have fallen into the sea while casting fishing nets.
“The victim’s boat was later found caught in fishing nets, with no sign of the victim at the location,” Suhaizan said.
He said a ground team from Op JAKSA / Op TIRIS 3.0 of the Mersing Maritime Zone was then deployed to the area, taking advantage of low tide and the rocky shoreline to begin a coastal search around Tanjung Rhu.
Suhaizan reminded the fishing community to always prioritise safety at sea, including the use of suitable safety gear to prevent untoward incidents.
He also thanked all agencies involved in the operation, including the Fire and Rescue Department, Department of Fisheries, Civil Defence Force, Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Army.
