Inp.polri.go.id - Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Perak State announced on Sunday (17/5/2026) that a six-day joint rescue operation has recovered 39 Indonesians involved in a shipwreck in the waters off Pangkor Island, Malaysia.
The passengers are suspected to have been undocumented migrant workers.
"So far, a total of 39 victims have been found, consisting of 23 survivors and 16 deceased. While initial first-day manifests estimated 37 passengers, that figure is believed to be inaccurate, and missing persons may still remain," said Perak State Maritime Director Maritime Captain Mohd Shukri Khotob in Kuala Lumpur, as cited by antaranews.com.
The exact identity and origin of the vessel remain unknown, as rescue teams initially encountered the victims floating at sea.
The intense search operation draws on assets from the MMEA, the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), and local fishing vessels, sweeping sectors near Pangkor, Kelumpang, Sangga Kechil, and Buloh islands. Recovered bodies have been transferred to local police before being moved to Teluk Intan Hospital and Taiping Hospital for formal identification. The MMEA confirmed integrated search operations will continue until all passengers are accounted for.
(mg/inp/pr/rs)
