Australian sailor Gary John was found aboard the ‘Brave Heart 2’ (right) which was stranded in Kudat waters.
KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) rescued an Australian from a stranded sailing boat at 10 nautical miles northeast of Kudat.
Gary John was reportedly making way to Cebu, Philippines when he was stranded on his boat due to engine failure.
Acting on information from the public, the Kudat Maritime Zone Operation Centre dispatched a patrol boat to the location of the sailing boat, ‘Brave Heart 2’.
Kudat Maritime Zone director Commander Boon Chin Chau said Gary was found on the boat safely around 11am yesterday. ‘Brave Heart 2’ was then towed with the help of a local fisherman’s boat and arrived at the Kudat Marina Jetty at 1.30pm.
“MMEA is always ready to provide assistance and respond to these situations. Nonetheless, we would like to remind the maritime community to prioritise safety and ensure vessels and equipment are in good condition before any activities, to avoid unwanted incidents,” said Boon.
He also encouraged the public to contact Malaysia Emergency Respond System (MERS 999) or Kudat Maritime Operation Centre at 088-611858 with any information regarding criminal activities or incidents within national waters.