Kuala Linggi 9 February- The search and rescue operation (SAR) of military personnel who were feared to have drowned during diving training in the waters of Pulau Undan yesterday continued at 7 o’clock this morning.

Melaka and Negeri Sembilan Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Iskandar Ishak said the search sector for the 25-year-old victim covers an area of 1,040 square kilometers.

A total of 18 assets have been arranged to move to the search location consisting of 15 sea assets and three air assets with 175 members from various agencies.

The search area is divided into eight sectors for assets at sea and two sectors for assets in the air to facilitate the search.

The SAR forward base was established on Pulau Besar with the involvement of friendly agencies namely the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).

In the same development, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC), Putrajaya has informed the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) to assist in this operation because there is a possibility that the victim has been swept into the waters of the neighboring country based on Search and Rescue Optimal data and information Planning System (SAROPS).

On 7 February, commando L/KPL Edrin Baintim, 25 years old was reported missing while carrying out diving training at 0.7 southwest of Pulau Undan and was feared drowned and the SAR operation was activated at 5.15 pm on the same day.

The public and the maritime community who have any information related to the incident can directly contact the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan Maritime Operations Center at 06-3876730 and MERS 999 which operates 24 hours a day to assist operations.