Photo: Search called off for remaining missing kayaker Tan Eng Soon/Facebook
Search for last missing Singaporean kayaker called off; family expressed "heartfelt thanks" to all involved
Puah's body found
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Photo: Josephine Puah Geok Tin/Facebook[/caption]
Puah's body was found on Aug. 14, soon after identified by her family, who said that the 57-year-old lived a "wonderful and glorious life".
Arrangements were made for the return of Puah’s remains to Singapore.“You’ve led a wonderful and glorious life. You did what you love to do till the very end,” wrote Louis Pang, Puah's son.
“Rest in peace, Mummy. I love you.”
Search for Tan called off by authorities
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Photo: Tan Eng Soon/Facebook[/caption]
Family of Tan says thank you
“We, the family of Tan Eng Soon, would like to thank the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and all other organisations that have been involved in the search for him. The support and compassion of the local fishermen and community has also touched us and given us strength through this difficult time.
We would also like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the Singapore MFA who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to be with us every step of the way.
Although we could not find his body, we take heart that he loved the sea and he will be at peace there.”
MFA expresses sympathies to both families
In wrapping up the intense operation following the sorrowful incident, the MFA issued its own statement. First, to the grieving families of Tan and Puah, the MFA expressed its "deepest sympathies" for their loss and shared its thoughts and prayers. They also thanked the Malaysian government for their tireless work, calling out the different organisations, local agencies, community members and fishermen who gave their fullest efforts in the search operations. The MFA also said:“We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the two Singaporeans involved in a mishap while kayaking in Mersing, Malaysia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time.
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"We are especially grateful to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), who led the SAR efforts and coordinated amongst the various Malaysian agencies both on the ground and at sea.
"We have also been heartened by the support and assistance of ordinary Malaysians from all walks of life, especially the fishermen in the area who played a critical role in the recovery efforts,” said the statement.
Rest in peace, Pang and Tuah. /TISG