KLANG, Sept 16 — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for three missing anglers intensified today following the discovery of a body in the waters off Bagan Sungai Belukang, Perak, believed to be one of them.

Klang Utara deputy police chief Supt Mohd Rahimi Zainol said the body, which was found in the Bagan Sungai Belukang area in Bagan Datuk, was reported to have been tied to a drum and was wearing a life jacket when it was discovered at about 9.30am today.

“The body is understood to have been taken to hospital for identification to ascertain the identity,” he told reporters at the Sementa Jetty here today.

Mohd Rahimi said those who survived included Mohd Shairazi Abdul Aziz, 43, Mohd Rizal Mohamad Sadali and Muhd Hamiszar Punirain, both 45, as well as boat skipper Zulfikalnain Awang, 47.

“The three anglers still missing are Muhamad Ridzuan Ruhaizat, 37, Mohd Shahril Abd Rahman, 43, and Raja Mohd Rozi Raja Mohamad, 49,” he said.

Based on accounts from the survivors, Mohd Rahimi said all the victims had to tie themselves to drums due to severe dehydration after the boat they were travelling in capsized.

He said after the boat capsized, they held hands and formed a group of seven.

Earlier, Mohd Rahimi accompanied Selangor deputy police chief DCP Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan to inspect the on-scene command post (PKTK) before visiting the victims’ families around Sementa Jetty here.

Meanwhile, Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officer Lt Mohd Syafiq Sazali said the third day of the SAR operation focused more on the waters along the Selangor-Perak border based on an updated SAR system simulation.

Last Monday, MMEA mobilised its assets at 3.40 am after receiving information about the anglers’ disappearance, before the SAR operation was officially activated at 5 am.

Four of them were found safe in the waters off Sekinchan on the second day of the SAR operation before being sent for further treatment at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) and Banting Hospital. — Bernama