14 missing, 23 rescued after migrant boat sinks off Malaysia

At least 14 people remained missing after a boat believed to be carrying undocumented Indonesian migrants capsized off Malaysia’s west coast near Pangkor Island, while 23 others were rescued as authorities launched an extensive search and rescue operation.

Malaysia's maritime agency has launched a search and rescue operation for 14 people missing after a boat believed to be carrying undocumented Indonesian migrants sank off its western coast on May 11 https://t.co/lNcDZqGf0h

— Reuters (@Reuters) May 12, 2026

Perak Maritime director Mohamad Shukri Khotob said authorities received a report at 5.30 am on Monday from a local fisherman who discovered several victims floating at sea and immediately alerted officials.The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) launched the SAR operation at 6 am, deploying KM Gagah and Benteng 1203 to the location. The operation is being assisted by police personnel and local fishermen.“A local fishing vessel successfully rescued 23 victims comprising 16 men and seven women, all Indonesian nationals,” Mohamad Shukri said in a statement.The rescued migrants were later escorted by marine police personnel to the Kampung Acheh marine police jetty for documentation and further investigation.
Initial investigations found that 37 people were believed to have been onboard the vessel when it sank.“So far, 23 victims have been rescued while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining individuals,” Mohamad Shukri added.Authorities also recovered three bags containing clothing believed to belong to the victims from the search area.All rescued migrants have been handed over to authorities for further investigation at the Manjung district police headquarters.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had departed from Kisaran in Indonesia on May 9 and was headed for several destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Terengganu, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.The SAR operation involves multiple assets, including navy vessel KD Sri Indera Sakti, a navy Fennec helicopter, two navy Fast Combat Boats, an MMEA Bombardier CL-415 aircraft and a marine police patrol boat conducting aerial surveillance and search operations in the area.
“As of now, there have been no new discoveries reported. MMEA remains committed to carrying out search and rescue operations together with related agencies to ensure all victims believed to be involved are found,” Mohamad Shukri said.