Search and rescue operation launched for 2 missing men after their sampan capsized off Pedra Branca

Photo: Ng Eng Hen / Facebook
Photo: Ng Eng Hen / Facebook

Two Malaysian men went missing after their sampan capsized near the waters off Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks on Sunday, and three countries have mobilized their forces to look for them.

Singaporean, Malaysian, and Indonesian authorities are conducting a joint search and rescue operation for the pair, with ships and helicopters deployed to the incident area. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was informed by its Johor counterparts that the sampan capsized on Sunday around 4:30pm, 0.8 nautical miles southeast of Pedra Branca. The outlying island is the easternmost point of Singapore and falls within the Singapore Maritime Search and Rescue Region.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Sovereignty was immediately deployed to the area, while MPA issued navigational broadcasts requesting other ships to look out for the missing men, as well as navigate with caution around the vicinity of the incident. The Republic of Singapore Air Force contributed helicopters, and the Singapore Police Coast Guard deployed a vessel to the search and rescue effort as of yesterday afternoon.

The multi-national operation continues today.



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