SINGAPORE is coordinating search-and-rescue (SAR) operations with Malaysian and Indonesian authorities to locate two men after their sampan capsized on Sunday.

In a statement, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said as at 1200 hours yesterday, Singapore Police Coast Guard vessel PH58 was at the scene, conducting SAR operations.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force also deployed helicopters to the area to support the SAR efforts.

MPA said it was informed by Johor’s Maritime Rescue Sub Centre about 1930 hours on Sunday that two men had been reported missing after their sampan capsized earlier, about 1630 hours.

It said the incident occurred 0.8 nautical miles southeast of Pedra Branca, within the Singapore Maritime Search and Rescue Region.

MPA said the Republic of Singapore Navy littoral mission vessel RSS Sovereignty was immediately deployed to the area.

It also issued navigational broadcasts asking ships to look out for the missing men and to navigate with caution in the area.

It said it was investigating the incident. – Bernama, December 12, 2017.