KUCHING: Eight people had a close call after a speedboat capsized in rough waters off Teluk Pasir Beach in Santubong yesterday (June 1).
The incident prompted a search and rescue (SAR) operation by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak.
Fortunately, the victims managed to swim to safety and were later found unharmed by rescuers.
The Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kuching had received a distress call at 3.45 pm, reporting that a speedboat carrying eight individuals had overturned about 0.3 nautical miles northeast of Teluk Pasir Beach.
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz said the agency’s Kilat 22 patrol boat was immediately dispatched to the scene.
“Upon arrival, rescuers found all eight victims, who had managed to make their way to nearby rocks and the shoreline after the vessel overturned due to rough sea conditions.
“All victims were later transported to the KOMTAS Jetty for medical examinations,” he said.
Further checks found that all eight were in good health and stable condition, with no serious injuries reported.
With all victims accounted for and confirmed safe, the SAR operation concluded at 6.45 pm.
In light of this, Mohd Khairi reminded the maritime community to prioritise safety while at sea, particularly during unfavourable weather conditions.
Members of the public are urged to report any emergency through the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
