By Aida Aziz
LUMUT: Three local men were rescued after becoming stranded at sea when their boat’s engine failed approximately 2.9 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Dua.
According to Perak Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob, the agency received a distress call via the 999 emergency line at 10:55 a.m. from one of the victims, Ahmad Kushayry Samsudin.
“All of them were fishing in the area when the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) they were on broke down due to engine failure.
“The information was relayed to the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) in Langkawi, after which the Maritime Vessel (KM) Tugau was deployed to the scene to carry out the rescue mission.
“KM Tugau arrived at the location at 11:50 a.m. and successfully located the boat with all three victims in safe condition.
“They were immediately given assistance and towed back to the jetty along with the damaged boat,” he said in a statement here on Saturday.
Mohamad Shukri added that the swift response by the rescue team once again demonstrated the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s readiness to handle emergencies at sea.
He also emphasized that maritime safety should not be taken lightly, especially for individuals frequently engaging in activities in national waters.
He further stressed that proper preparation and technical checks on boats before heading out to sea are crucial in preventing life-threatening risks.
At the same time, he urged the maritime community and the public to continue cooperating with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency by providing information on any incidents or suspicious activities at sea.
“For any emergencies or maritime crime reports, the public can call the 999 emergency line or contact the Perak Maritime Operations Centre directly at 05-683 2254 for immediate action,” he said.
