SEMPORNA: An angler is feared to have drowned while another survived after the boat they were on capsized off Mabul island here yesterday.
The missing victim is known as Mahmur Ajae, 45, from Kampung Keramat here. A source said Mahmur and Salimin Paludin, 44, who survived the incident, went to the sea at about 7am.
The sea was choppy and the boat was suddenly hit by a huge wave before it capsized.
"However, Salimin managed to hold on to a rope from the boat before he drifted away. He was then rescued by a local fisherman and the incident was then reported to the police."
Marine police managed to reach Salimin at 9.45am and he was sent to a district hospital.
However, Mahmur has yet to be found.
District Malaysian Maritime Enforcement agency director Norrimi Hassan said a search and rescue operation has been going on since 1.30pm yesterday.
"The operation continued at 7am (today) with the search area being expanded to 101 nautical miles, involving eight boats and a ship," he said.