MIRI: A tugboat and barge have been detained off the coast of Sarawak after failing to produce mandatory safety documents, Malaysia’s maritime authorities have said.
The vessels were stopped at about 1:30 pm on May 1, around 2.4 nautical miles southwest of Kuala Miri, during a routine patrol by the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, Miri zone.
Officials said the vessels could not provide stability documents when inspected, a requirement under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
Stability documents are used to show a vessel can remain balanced and safe under different operating conditions, including when carrying loads or towing.
APMM said 12 crew members were on board at the time, all Indonesian nationals aged between 24 and 55.
A detention order was issued, and the vessel’s skipper, along with one crew member, was taken ashore and handed over to investigating officers for further action.
Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, director of the Miri Maritime Zone, said the failure to produce the documents was a breach of maritime regulations.
“Compliance with safety requirements is essential to ensure the safety of crew and other sea users,” he said.
No injuries or incidents were reported during the inspection.
The waters off Miri are a key route for vessels supporting offshore oil and gas operations, as well as local fishing activity.
Mohd Khairol said it would continue patrols and enforcement operations to ensure vessels operating in Malaysian waters comply with safety and legal requirements.
Members of the public with information on incidents at sea can contact emergency services via 999 or the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre.
Authorities said investigations into the case are ongoing.
