Trio survive Tawau sea ordeal
Published on: Friday, May 17, 2019
By: Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: Three men survived, two by clinging onto a barrel for nearly two hours, after their boat sank due to strong waves while fishing off Sungai Tawau Wednesday.
Zone Deputy Director (Operation) for Tawau Maritime Zone, Commander Maritime Mohd Yusri Hussin said a patrol boat was deployed to the location for search and rescue after being alerted at 6.50pm.
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One of the victims Samri Sundu, survived by swimming to the nearby beach, while his friend, Shahrul Lizam Rizman and Azman Abd Rahim managed to stay afloat.
“All of them aged between 17 to 46 from Kg Batu 2, here, went fishing at 5.30pm and about 7.19pm, were informed that both victims have been found by the first victim’s (Samri) younger brother at Mile 4, who also went searching for the duo,” he said.
Mohd Yusri said both victims were found clinging onto the barrel for nearly two hours and only suffered minor injuries.
They were transferred into the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) boat at the location and brought to the Tawau Hospital for treatment.
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He urged the maritime community to be wary about the current weather before going to sea and always wear safety jackets.
He said any emergency information or complaint should be referred to Tawau Maritime Zone Operation Centre at 089-750116 or MERS 999.