BINTULU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here successfully rescued two foreigners who were in distress at sea yesterday (Feb 10) after their yacht, en route to the Philippines, experienced a leakage.
According to MMEA Bintulu zone director Captain Mohd Iszuadi Muhamad Hassan, adverse weather conditions complicated the five-hour rescue operation.
The ‘Suntess’ yacht, carrying a Chinese woman and a Saint Kitts and Nevis man, had encountered a leakage while sailing from Bintulu port to Lungsod Ng Bacolod, Philippines, early yesterday morning.
He stated that the incident came to the attention of the Kuching Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) after a complaint was filed by the Chinese national at 4.23am.
It was reported that the distressed yacht, equipped with essential safety gear, including life jackets, GPS, and a personal locator beacon (PLB), is about 1.5 nautical miles southeast of the Jepak estuary.
“A search and rescue (SAR) operation was swiftly initiated at 4.30am and the Kilat 44 maritime boat was deployed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, maritime personnel commenced pumping water out of the yacht’s hull to prevent it from sinking and to ensure safety, the yacht was directed to dock at a nearby tugboat.
“Despite challenging sea conditions, characterised by winds blowing from the northeast at speeds of 20 to 30 km per hour and waves reaching heights of 1 to 1.5 meters, the team managed to stabilise the situation.
“After five hours of intensive efforts, the maritime team successfully controlled the leakage and flooding and escorting the yacht to the Jepak marine police jetty,” he said.
The SAR operation concluded at 2pm, following the safe docking of the yacht at the jetty.
In light of this, Mohd Iszuadi urged the maritime community to exercise caution, particularly during the northeast monsoon season, emphasising the importance of wearing life jackets while at sea.
Individuals with information regarding misconduct, criminal activities, or emergencies at sea are encouraged to contact the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544 for immediate assistance.
