Dungun: The fiberglass boat belonging to fisherman Sabrie Rusli, 32, which was reported missing in the waters off Dungun since Aug 27, was found at the bottom of the sea in that area today, but the fisherman has not yet been located.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dungun district police chief Supt Nik Ab Halim Nik Mat said the boat was found at a depth of about 30 to 34 metres as a result of a search effort conducted by a group of fishermen based on information about the discovery of an anchor buoy rope believed to be related to the victim's boat.

"At around 8.30 this morning, a fisherman along with three of his friends went to the location to conduct a search and dive, and they found a fiberglass boat believed to belong to the victim. The boat that was found not far from the location was reported to have capsized and was subsequently towed with the help of another fishing vessel," he said in a statement today.

He said that initial checks and confirmation by the family found that the boat that was discovered belonged to Sabrie, who had previously been reported missing. Nik Ab Halim said his team received a report about the discovery of the boat at 2.30 pm today.

He said the discovery had been reported to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) as the coordinating agency for the search and rescue operation for further action and assessment. Meanwhile, a Bernama survey at Pengkalan Nibong, near here, this afternoon found that the boat had been brought ashore to allow for further inspection and investigation by the authorities.

The fiberglass boat was also found to be in good condition, including the outboard engine still being on the boat. Previously, Bernama reported that a fisherman was feared missing after the boat he was on capsized in the waters off Pulau Tenggol, near here, on Aug 27.