KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — A boat with 13 commandos from Kem Sungai Udang is feared to have capsized after failing to land with other groups at Pulau Upeh, Malacca on Saturday.

The commandos comprising two officers and 11 trainees in four boats were involved in rowing training from Sungai Udang to Pulau Upeh.

Armed Forces Chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said three boats arrived at Pulau Upeh at 10.30pm on Saturday but another boat did not make it.

“It is understood the weather turned turbulent as the three boats were about to land at Pulau Upeh,” he said when contacted by Bernama tonight.

Zulkifeli said 44 commandos were involved in the rowing training course.

Meanwhile, Army Chief Gen Datuk Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said a search and rescue operation was conducted yesterday afternoon but the commandos could not be found.

“I understand that the three boats that arrived on Pulau Upeh nearly capsized after being hit by strong waves.

“We searched for them since dawn but don’t want to speculate as the search and rescue operation is continuing.

“We are worried if they strayed into Indonesian waters. I have briefed my Indonesia counterpart on the matter,” he added.

The search and rescue operation also involve the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the police. — Bernama