Two Chinese tourists have been reported missing near Mantanani Island since last Saturday, last seen snorkeling in the waters surrounding the island.
Kota Belud District Police Chief, Superintendent Shahrudin Mat Husain, said the missing tourists, 25-year-old Yu Xiapeng and 28-year-old Fan Qin, were last seen near the sea close to their resort before being reported missing on October 5.
“The pair were believed to be snorkeling in the area before the resort reported them missing,” he said.
The search and rescue (SAR) operation has now entered its fifth day, involving 80 personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Civil Defence Force (APM), and local volunteers.
Search efforts are focused on the western waters of Mantanani Island, including Tanjung Batu, the beaches of Mantanani Besar and Kecil, and have been expanded to Pulau Kelambu and Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. Aerial support from the PGU using a Textron 208 (9M-PSQ) is assisting with monitoring at 1,000 feet over the waters of Kota Belud, Mantanani Island, and Kudat. JBPM divers are also conducting underwater searches in key areas.
The fifth day of operations concluded at 6 p.m. and will resume tomorrow, focusing on high-risk sea zones.
Yu Xiapeng and Fan Qin had reportedly checked into Sutera Mantanani Resort on October 4 and were scheduled to check out the next day but never did, prompting concern for their safety.
