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Malaysian officials still searching for missing Singaporean kayaker Tan Eng Soon

MMEA holding a press conference on 15 August, 2019, (left) and the missing Tan Eng Soon, 62. (PHOTOS: MMEA, Louis Pang/Instagram)
The MMEA addressing media at a press conference on 15 August, 2019, (left) and the missing Tan Eng Soon, 62. (PHOTOS: MMEA, Louis Pang/Instagram)

SINGAPORE – Malaysian maritime officials said on Thursday (15 August) that they are continuing search and rescue efforts for a Singaporean male kayaker after he went missing off Endau waters in Mersing a week earlier.

The statement by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) comes a day after a body was found in the area. The children of Josephine Puah Geok Tin, a 57-year-old Singaporean who was the other missing kayaker, later confirmed her death.

The MMEA told Yahoo News Singapore that the search and rescue team is covering an area of about 500 nautical square miles (1717 square kilometres) to locate retired lawyer Tan Eng Soon, 62.

“A total of 32 maritime and other rescue personnel are involved in the operation. Locals and fishermen are also assisting the MMEA by searching around Kemaman, Kuantan and Kerteh, Terengganu,” said the agency in Malay.

A day earlier, a fisherman had found a body fully clothed with a life jacket off the coast of Terengganu about 100 nautical miles (185 km) from where Tan and Puah were last seen.

Puah’s children, Louis and Ranie Pang, on Thursday morning confirmed the death of their mother when they posted tributes to her on Instagram and Facebook.

A green kayak was found earlier in the week by a fisherman more than 80 nautical miles (148 km) away from where Tan and Puah were last seen.

Two bags containing Malaysian and Singapore currencies, one mobile phone, a Singapore passport belonging to Tan, a clothing bag, one identity card and a paddle were found in the kayak, said local authorities.

The duo’s family members had verified the belongings of the two missing Singaporeans, according to an Instagram story by Louis.

Tan and Puah became separated from a group of 13 other Singaporeans at around 5.40pm in Endau waters last Thursday, some eight hours after setting off from a jetty in Mersing.

The duo were believed to have drifted away from the group due to turbulent sea and strong wind conditions.

Related stories:

Missing Singaporean kayakers: Son of Puah Geok Tin confirms her death

Missing Singaporean kayakers: Malaysian officials say body found off Terengganu coast, identity unconfirmed

MMEA: Missing in Endau, Singaporean couple’s kayak found in waters off Kuantan