PONTIAN: Seven illegal immigrants are missing when the boat they were travelling in sank after it was hit by strong waves in Pontian waters this morning.
Another six illegal immigrants were rescued in the 10am incident that took place at a location three nautical miles from Pontian Besar beach.
The six comprised two men and four women while the seven missing victims were all women.
After the incident unfolded, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) activated a search and rescue operation (SAR).
Johor MMEA director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the Johor Baru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre received information at 10am regarding the discovery of six Indonesian victims, who were rescued by local fishing boats at 0.3 nautical miles southwest of Pontian Besar.
"Based on initial information gathered from the victims, the boat that was ferrying 13 passengers including the skipper, sank after being hit by strong waves while attempting to enter Malaysia. Seven people are still missing.
"A SAR was activated at about 10.20am with a base being set up at the Pontian Fishermen Association jetty.
"One AW139 helicopter and one Kilat 12 owned by the MMEA have been deployed to the scene to help locate the victims.
"MMEA has also requested asset assistance from other agencies to assist the SAR," he said, adding all six survivors have been taken to the Pontian Hospital for treatment.