Bodies Of Men From Capsized Sampan Recovered

As at 1500 hours on 13 December 2017, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), as the Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission Coordinator, has ceased SAR operations to locate the two Malaysians after their bodies were found on 12 and 13 December respectively. Both men had been missing after their sampan capsized on 10 December 2017, 0.8 nautical miles southeast of Pedra Branca (latitude 01˚ 19.25’N and longitude 104˚ 24.97’E) within the Singapore Maritime Search and Rescue Region.

2.       MPA was informed by the Indonesian authorities at about 1700 hours on 12 December that the latter had recovered a body at the Pengudang Beach, Bintan Island, Indonesia.  At about 1430 hours on 13 December, the Indonesian authorities notified MPA that they had found another body in the sea north of Bintan Island. The two bodies were subsequently identified by family members to be those of Mr Chang Chong Kuok and Mr Tan Soon Heng, the two missing Malaysians.

3.       The SAR effort, which also involved Malaysian and Indonesian authorities, was coordinated by Singapore. Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “On behalf of all agencies involved in this search and rescue operation, MPA expresses our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.” MPA would also like to record its appreciation to all ships and aircraft which participated in the SAR operations.

4.       For media queries, please email Media_Enquiries@mpa.gov.sg

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