SURVIVORS: The four victims rescued by local fishermen and Malaysia Maritime Enforcement after 15 hours ordeal in the sea . — Bernama photo
JOHOR BAHARU: The search and rescue operations for the victims of the second boat tragedy within the past two weeks involving Indonesians was resumed at 7 yesterday morning.
The boat, believed to be carrying 44 Indonesian illegal immigrants to Batam for Hari Raya sank in the waters of Tanjung Siang, Kota Tinggi during a massive storm late Thursday night.
“Today’s (Saturday) operations included two ships, four speed boats and two helicopters from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Navy, Marine Police and Air force. So far, only four passengers from the ill-fated boat had been rescued, said Tanjung Sedili District Maritime Enforcement Head, Maritime Commander Amran Daud.
“The rescued victims informed us that about 40 people, including children, are still out there,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
He said the incident was only discovered when a group of fishermen found three men hanging on to a plastic drum for dear life.
Upon receiving this information the Johor Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre had sent out a ship and two speed boats from Tanjung Sedili to search the area.
Another victim was found about 1pm on Friday by the MMEA, he added.
“The four of them were freezing cold and 40 per cent of their bodies were badly sun burnt. They are warded at the Kota Tinggi Hospital,” he said.
Amran said the rescued men were Adi,26; Saipol Bahari,29; Mustapa,31 and Tajul Abdullah,31.
In the July 19 tragedy, one passenger died while seven were missing after a wooden boat carrying 35 Indonesians home for Hari Raya capsized in the waters of Tanjung Sedili Besar, Kota Tinggi.
The incident occurred at 3am and 28 victims were rescued by MT Octaden, a tanker which happened to be passing by. — Bernama