BINTULU: Two fishermen are reported missing after their vessel capsized due to rough seas and strong winds about three nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Payung on Wednesday evening.
Bintulu Maritime Zone’s Director, Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah, said the incident was reported to the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kuching at 6:15 pm after the crew of tugboat TB. SWEE rescued four fishermen from the capsized vessel.
One of the survivors, Nasri Harun, said their Class C fishing vessel overturned following turbulent sea conditions, and two of their crewmates have yet to be found.
Following the report, MRSC Kuching immediately activated a search and rescue (Carilamat) operation, deploying a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) patrol boat to the area to locate the missing fishermen.
“The four rescued victims are currently en route to Bintulu Port for further medical treatment. One of them sustained injuries to the hand and chin,” Suffian said in a statement.
He also reminded the maritime community to refrain from going out to sea during bad weather, and to always comply with safety procedures and maritime laws to avoid untoward incidents.
For emergencies or maritime incidents, the public can contact the Bintulu Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 086-314 254, the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432 544, or call the 999 emergency line for immediate action.
