JOHOR BAHRU: The search and rescue operation to locate the victims of a boat that capsized on Wednesday (Dec 15) in waters off Tanjung Balau, Kota Tinggi, continued over Thursday (Dec 16) to cover the coastal area of Tanjung Siang right up to Tanjung Balau.

       According to Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Search and Rescue Forward Base (PHC) 17 personnel from various agencies were being deployed in the operation which started at 7pm on Thursday.

       "The coastal search will continue as long as the search operation is still on," said PHC.

       However the sea search which involved the deployment of assets was halted and postponed due to poor visibility.

       Earlier, seven bodies were found in Tanjung Balau today, bringing the total number of bodies recovered so far to 19, while 17 victims are still missing. - Bernama