KOTA KINABALU: A search is on for a fisherman who went missing in waters off here.
Saiful Nizwan Azwan Othman, 26, was fishing with relatives near Pulau Sapi when he was separated from the group on Friday at about 8pm.
They were on their way back to Pantai Manis in Papar after hauling their nets when they were separated because of thick mists.
Saiful's uncle Nasip Yamen, 53, who was also part of the three-boat-group fishing trip, said he could see his nephew in his boat from a distance just as they started to sail back.
"He was in the rear and after several minutes after we set on our course, I turned back and could not see him in the thick mists," he added.
"We could see a flicker of light headed towards Pulau Mengalum, so we followed. But we were unable to find him."
Sabah and Labuan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency commander First Admiral Adam Aziz said a report about the missing fisherman was reported at about 9.20pm.
"We have mobilised a search and rescue operation in waters off Pulau Sapi and Pulau Mengalum," he said adding the police and Fire and Rescue department have also joined in the search.