14 Missing After Migrant Boat Carrying Indonesians Sinks Off Malaysia Coast
Fourteen migrants are missing after a boat carrying 37 undocumented passengers from Indonesia sank off Malaysia’s Pangkor Island, with rescue teams intensifying search operations.
This handout picture taken and released by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on May 12, 2026 shows a MMEA staff member (L) checking on survivors rescued during a search and rescue operation off the coast of Pangkor Island in Perak, after a boat carrying migrants capsized. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
At least 14 people remain missing after a boat carrying undocumented migrants sank off Pangkor Island on Malaysia’s west coast, maritime authorities have confirmed.
According to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the vessel was carrying 37 migrants believed to be from Indonesia when it capsized. So far, 23 survivors have been rescued following a search operation launched after a local fisherman spotted victims floating at sea early Monday.
“Initial investigations found that the total number of migrants on the boat was 37. So far, 23 victims have been rescued while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining individuals,” said Perak MMEA Director Mohamad Shukri Khotob in a statement issued late Monday night.
Authorities said preliminary investigations indicate the migrants departed from Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9 and were headed to several destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Terengganu, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
“Preliminary investigations also found that they departed from Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9 and were heading for several destinations in Malaysia,” Mohamad Shukri added.
The MMEA has deployed rescue boats, a helicopter and surveillance aircraft to support the ongoing search for the missing passengers.
The rescued migrants have since been handed over to police for further investigations.
Malaysia remains a major destination for migrant workers from across Asia, many of whom enter the country through irregular routes facilitated by human trafficking syndicates. The dangerous sea crossings have repeatedly resulted in fatal accidents.
In one of the deadliest recent incidents, 36 migrants died in November 2025 after a boat capsized near the Thai-Malaysian border.
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