JOHOR BARU: The search and rescue (SAR) mission for the remaining victims of a boat that capsized in the waters off Tanjung Balau, now in its fifth day, is facing difficulties because of the bad weather.

       Johor Maritime Operations deputy director Capt (Maritime) Simon Templer Lo Tusa said as of 8am Sunday (Dec 19), no new findings were recorded, while 16 people were still missing.

       He added that the SAR operation at sea involved four assets and would cover about 111 square nautical miles, while the air unit team using AW139 aircraft would cover 76.50 square nautical miles.

       Meanwhile, the coastal search involving personnel from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Armed Forces, Civil Defence Force and police would cover Tanjung Siang to Sungai Musuh.

       "A total of 61 personnel are involved in the operation today. The weather condition is expected to be bad with winds of 40 to 50kph, waves as high as 2.5m to 3.5m, and thunderstorms in some places,” he said in a statement.

       Simon Templer also advised the maritime community, especially fishermen, to postpone their activities if weather conditions worsen and to monitor the weather warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

       The number of fatalities in the incident remains at 21, with 13 individuals rescued. – Bernama