Kuala terengganu: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is continuing its search and rescue (SAR) operation for a Turkish national, Eser Demirkol, who was reported missing following the capsizing of a yacht near Pulau Yu waters near Kuala Terengganu.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said two diving teams were deployed this morning to the last known location where the vessel was reported to have sunk. The operation is ongoing today with the deployment of sea assets such as vessels and boats, as well as aerial support, including helicopters. Assistance is also being provided by other agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

He was speaking to reporters at the 2025 MMEA media day programme at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS) here today. Mohd Rosli mentioned that the operation is being conducted based on the latest information obtained from the two survivors of the incident, with the search area covering approximately 305 nautical square miles.

One of the survivors informed that they managed to jump into the sea as the vessel was sinking, while the other individual, Demirkol, was believed to have been asleep and did not have time to escape. Thus, there is a possibility that the victim sank entirely with the yacht. However, efforts are still underway in hopes of locating the sunken vessel.

It was reported that three Turkish nationals, yacht captain Ahmet Volkan Ata, 52; Ates Demiroren, 42; and Demirkol, 52, had planned to sail from Malaysia back to their home country on Monday. However, the yacht was believed to have capsized during a storm in Pulau Yu waters on Tuesday afternoon.

Demiroren was rescued by local fishermen while floating at sea, and Volkan Ata was found safe after drifting for nearly 43 hours before being rescued by a fishing boat. Both are currently receiving treatment at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu.