Officials say a missing Malaysian boat carrying three foreign tourists is feared to have sunk off the coast of the state of Sabah.
The boat went missing during bad weather last week, close to Philippines’ waters.
There was a fear it could have been another kidnapping by Philippines militants which are active in the area.
Islamic militants from the Abu Sayyaf group have been blamed for numerous hijackings at sea targeting foreign tourists.
It recently claimed responsibility for the killing of Canadian tourist John Ridsdel.
However Malaysian authorities believe the boat went down in bad weather, after Malaysian fishermen found an outboard engine believed to be from the vessel.
"We will seek the assistance of local fishermen to drag a large net across the ocean floor," the Malaysian coast guard said in a statement, adding that divers have gone to the area to help in the search.
The missing tourists were named as Spaniards David Hernandes Gasulla and Martha Miguel, and Hong Kong resident Tommy Lam Wai Yin.
A fourth person, a Malaysian tourist, was identified by the single name of Ella.
