(Kuching, 24th) A fishing boat that sank near Burong Island on the 17th of this month, reportedly had its fourth crew member rescued this morning.
The latest news from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Sarawak branch indicates that Cambodian crew member Oeun Van was found by fishermen around 3:30 a.m. in the waters of Serpan, Asajaya, and was subsequently sent to a nearby health clinic for further treatment.
Meanwhile, the remaining two missing crew members are identified as Thai national Chaloem Sonada and Cambodian national Thy Ny.
Sarawak Maritime Director Kamaludin Zaki stated in an earlier statement that the Kuching Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) received the report of the incident at 6:43 p.m. on Sunday, after which a search and rescue operation was launched for the victims.
“At the time, three of the crew members had already been rescued by another fishing boat located approximately 3.5 nautical miles west of Burong Island. The rescued crew included Cambodian national Khlok Sem, and Indonesian nationals Adikah and Irman, who were brought to Goebilt village jetty around 6 p.m. yesterday.”
“At the time, three of the crew members had already been rescued by another fishing boat located approximately 3.5 nautical miles west of Burong Island. The rescued crew included Cambodian national Khlok Sem, and Indonesian nationals Adikah and Irman, who were brought to Goebilt village jetty around 6 p.m. yesterday.”
He further stated that the last reported position of the missing vessel was 7.5 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Sipang, and it is said that there was a leak in the engine room before the boat sank.
An advanced operational base for the search and rescue mission has been established at the Maritime Integrated Building of the Sarawak Maritime Headquarters located in Telok Melano.
Kamal added that despite harsh sea conditions, the Maritime Enforcement Agency remains on high alert to assist the maritime community.
He urged the public to report any information, complaints, or emergencies at sea to the Sarawak Maritime Operational Centre/MRSC Kuching through the hotline 082-432006 or emergency number 999.