The search for a missing fisherman who fell overboard while prawn fishing near Johor Port has come to a somber conclusion, as authorities recovered his body on Tuesday afternoon.

The 49-year-old man, whose identity has not been released pending family notification, was reported missing on Monday after an incident that unfolded while he was fishing with his elder brother. According to Pasir Gudang fire station senior commander Sarhan Akmal Mohamad, the brothers had been fishing in separate boats around 11:45 a.m. when the victim indicated he wanted to change locations due to a lack of prawns. Shortly after their boats passed each other, the elder brother noticed his sibling was missing and immediately raised the alarm.

A coordinated search and rescue operation was launched, involving local emergency services. The fisherman’s body was found floating approximately 100 meters from the spot where he was last seen, at around 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The remains have since been handed over to the police for further investigation and sent to Hospital Sultan Ismail for examination.

Authorities have not indicated any suspicion of foul play, and the incident appears to be a tragic accident during a routine fishing trip. The recovery brings closure to the family and local fishing community, who had hoped for a different outcome.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who make their living at sea, and highlights the importance of safety measures for fishermen working in often unpredictable conditions.