Rescue operations have ramped up in the wake of the recent migrant boat tragedy near Pulau Pangkor, with the recovery of three more bodies from the water. Malaysian authorities have reported that these victims are likely undocumented Indonesian migrants whose vessel capsized en route to Malaysia. This latest grim discovery raises the overall body count to 30, as teams persist in the search for those still unaccounted for.

According to DSP Mazre Che Mahmod from Marine Police Region One Operations Command, the Royal Malaysian Navy's vessel KD Sri Indera Sakti located the three bodies approximately 20 nautical miles from the original incident site around 6 PM during ongoing search efforts in waters near Pulau Pangkor and Lumut in Perak.

Authorities are currently working to confirm the identities of the newly discovered victims, believed to be part of a group that left Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9. The boat capsized in Malaysian waters near Pulau Pangkor on Monday, resulting in this tragic event.

The local communities are in shock, highlighting ongoing concerns about perilous unauthorized migration routes across the Indonesian-Malaysian sea. Reports indicate that there were 37 migrants aboard the ill-fated vessel, with 23 individuals rescued alive since the search began on May 11.

On the third day of the search and rescue mission, efforts resumed early Wednesday morning with significant coordination among Malaysian agencies. The operation involves the Marine Police, the Royal Malaysian Navy, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, employing various marine vessels, patrol boats, and aerial surveillance to scour extensive sections of sea for the remaining missing passengers.

Assets deployed include two Marine Police boats, three Royal Malaysian Navy vessels, and three units from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, such as KM Malawali, BENTENG 1203, and a Bombardier CL415MP aircraft stationed at Subang Air Station. Despite challenging sea conditions and vast search areas, rescue teams remain resolute in their quest to find all missing individuals.

The Pulau Pangkor tragedy starkly underscores the dangers faced by undocumented migrants undertaking treacherous sea voyages in pursuit of employment and improved livelihoods. Malaysian authorities are determined to continue rescue efforts and investigate the circumstances surrounding this illegal journey, assuring that every possible measure is being taken to locate the remaining victims and assist those affected by this disaster.