MIRI: A veteran Australian sailor was believed to have drowned when his yacht was found adrift and abandoned within the state’s waters near here this morning.
David Lenton, 74, was believed to be heading towards Marina Bay jetty here from his home country.
A police spokesman confirmed receiving a missing person's report and that a search and rescue (SAR) mission to locate Lenton has been activated.
“So far, there has been no sign or any positive development,” he said, adding that Lenton’s yacht, named, SY Atlantis, was believed to have drifted since last night under rough seas.
A check with the Meteorological Department showed there was a thunderstorm warning on the Malaysian waters affecting several areas including Miri until noon today.
It was also learnt that Lenton frequently visit the Marina Bay jetty and this was not the first time he encountered trouble on Malaysian waters.
Last year, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency rescued Lenton after his yacht experienced some problems while sailing near Pulau Tikus, about one nautical mile off the Kuala Baram river mouth.
