Victim fell overboard while prawn fishing; recovery made 100 metres from incident site

An Orang Asli fisherman who fell overboard while prawn fishing near Johor Port on Monday has been found dead. His body was recovered on Tuesday afternoon, about 100 metres from his last known location.

Incident Near International Waters

The tragic incident unfolded on April 21, when the 49-year-old Orang Asli fisherman was casting prawn nets near the Malaysia-Singapore maritime boundary. He had informed his brother, who was in a separate boat, that he planned to switch fishing spots. Shortly afterward, the brother noticed he was missing.

Immediate SAR Response Launched

District Fire and Rescue Department station chief Sarhan Akmal Mohamad said authorities received an alert at 1.10 PM and arrived at the scene within 10 minutes. A Search and Rescue (SAR) operation was quickly activated, based on GPS coordinates provided by the victim’s brother.

Rescue divers combed depths of up to 20 metres in the area near Johor Port. However, poor underwater visibility and the presence of heavy marine traffic forced a suspension of operations by 6.50 PM on Monday evening. Despite these challenges, preparations were made for a renewed search the following day.

Multi-Agency Search Intensifies

Search efforts resumed Tuesday morning with 28 personnel from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Johor Port authorities, and the police. A Navigational Telex (Navtex) alert was also issued to warn vessels passing through the busy shipping channel of ongoing rescue activities.

Body Found After 24-Hour Effort

The victim’s body was discovered at approximately 1.45 PM on April 22, floating around 100 metres from the site where he was last seen. Commander Sarhan confirmed the recovery and noted that the remains had been handed over to police for further action.

The man’s outing was intended to be a routine prawn-fishing trip shared with his brother. The victim reportedly made his last communication just before both their boats crossed paths. His sudden absence was immediately noticed, prompting his brother to raise the alarm.

Authorities continue to urge caution for small fishing vessels operating near busy maritime zones. The incident highlights the importance of using safety gear and maintaining constant communication, especially when fishing near international shipping lanes.

This incident underscores the hazards faced by traditional fishermen working in increasingly congested waters near international maritime boundaries. As investigations continue, it is a sobering reminder of the critical importance of maritime safety measures, particularly for vulnerable communities like the Orang Asli who rely on coastal fishing for their livelihood.

Sources: The Star (2025), NST (2025)

Keywords: Johor Port Fisherman, Orang Asli Drowning, SAR Johor Waters, Prawn Fishing Incident, Maritime Safety