Search for 37 Indonesian Citizens on Ship in Malaysia Officially Terminated
The search and rescue operation for victims of a shipwreck carrying dozens of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in the waters of Pangkor Island, Malaysia, has officially been terminated. The cessation of the operation follows the failure of Malaysian SAR teams to locate additional victims over the past few days.
The vessel, reported to be carrying 37 undocumented passengers, sank in the waters of Perak state, Malaysia. The incident caused several deaths and triggered a joint search operation lasting nearly a week.
Search Operation Terminated
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Perak announced that the search and rescue operation concluded on Saturday (16/5/2026). The decision was made after no new discoveries were made within the search area.
According to reports, the SAR operation had been underway since the ship sank on Monday (11/5/2026). The search involved various joint elements, including the Royal Malaysian Navy, Maritime Police, and local fishing communities near the site.
MMEA Perak noted that the initial passenger count may have been inaccurate from the outset. “Initial information obtained on the first day of the operation stated the total number of victims was 37. However, that figure is believed to be inaccurate,” stated MMEA Perak.
Fatalities and Survivors
Reports from Bernama indicate that at least 16 people died in the incident. Meanwhile, 23 individuals were successfully rescued after the vessel capsized in the waters off Pangkor Island.
The deceased include nine men and seven women. All bodies were transported to a hospital for autopsy and identification by local authorities.
The Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that 14 Indonesian nationals were originally on the search list following the shipwreck. As the search progressed, several victims were found deceased.
“Of the 14 Indonesian nationals previously being searched for, seven have been found dead, and their bodies are currently at a hospital in Perak for identification and further handling by local authorities,” said Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a written statement.
The 23 Indonesian survivors rescued by the Malaysian SAR team consist of 16 men and seven women, aged between 21 and 48 years.
Ship Suspected of Carrying Undocumented Passengers
The vessel that sank in the Pangkor Island waters is suspected of carrying 37 undocumented passengers. Malaysian authorities are still investigating the details of the ship’s journey and the identities of all passengers on board.
According to Malaysian maritime authorities, the victims are believed to have departed from Kisaran, North Sumatra, Indonesia, on Saturday (9/5) heading towards Malaysia, with final destinations likely including Penang, Terengganu, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur.
The shipwreck involving Indonesian nationals in Malaysian waters has once again drawn attention to the high risks associated with illegal travel using small vessels. Identification processes for the victims are ongoing, with Malaysian authorities working alongside relevant Indonesian agencies.