SANDAKAN: A search and rescue effort is underway for a General Operations Force (GOF) personnel who went missing after two boats collided in waters near here today.
The 6.20am incident saw a passenger boat, carrying 37 people, capsized after hitting a tug boat while travelling to Sandakan from Kampung Tanjung Aru.
Those on board comprised 28 students from three schools (Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sandakan, SMK Tiong Hua and SMK Pangeran), 8 local residents and the missing GOF personnel.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) KM Kota Belud commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Mohd Hafidz Mohd Tajuddin said of the 36 passengers rescued, 15 of them were still receiving treatment at the district hospital.
“The passenger boat was said to have hit the tug boat's cable which was trawling another smaller boat.
“A search and rescue operation has been activated for a search radius of five nautical miles off Sandakan,” he said.
Marine police, GOF, Fire and Rescue Department and local fishermen have also been roped in to assist the SAR effort, he added.
Meanwhile, Sabah Education Department director Dr Mistirine Radin said she was grateful that all the secondary school students were safe.
“I was informed that all the children are safe. We are thankful for that.
"I have yet to get the full report but I hope the students were wearing the safety life jackets provided by the Education Ministry for them when travelling by boat.”