SEMPORNA: A man in his 40s has been reported missing while fishing off water near Balimbang jetty, Pulau Bum Bum, here, on Saturday.
The man, identified as Balsiti Utumani disappeared when the wooden boat he boarded in with his friend was hit by another boat.
According to the witness, the crash knocked them off into the water and during the incident, he could not see Balsiti. He also failed to recognized the boat that crashed into their boat due to darkness.
The man was discovered by a passing boat and sent home to Kampung Halo, Semporna. He then received treatment at Semporna Hospital and was allowed to return home at 8am.
The Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said the department received a distress call from the Police following the incident at 6.15am and deployed a team of Fire and Rescue personnel to the scene.
The team was informed that a man was feared missing after he went fishing at about 4am on Saturday.
“A Search and Rescue (SAR) operation was launched with the other agencies within a three-kilometre radius.
“Information will be updated from time to time,” the department added.