State maritime director Nurul Hizam Zakaria said a report was lodged with the Johor Bahru maritime rescue subcentre (MRSC) at about 7.50pm.

He said the boat, with the number PL87, could not be contacted after departing from Tanjung Pengelih in Pengerang at about 12.45pm. It was scheduled to arrive at Pangkalan Tampoi here at 6.30pm.

“MRSC Johor Bahru activated a search and rescue operation at 8pm by mobilising two boats, Pengagal 46 and Kilat 18, to locate the boat and the crew members.

“The marine police have also mobilised three assets focusing on the waters of Tuas and Tanjung Piai following information received from the Singaporean authorities on the last location of the boat. It was detected in the waters of Tuas at about 3pm,” he said in a statement.

Nurul Hizam said the Putrajaya Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was also in contact with Singaporean and Indonesian authorities.

He said KM Ramunia belonging to the maritime department and PL39 belonging to the Johor fisheries department were also taking part in the operation.