KOTA KINABALU: Coastguards came to the rescue of 16 passengers and crew who were stranded in choppy seas after their Labuan-bound boat suffered engine problems on Tuesday (Feb 6).
Labuan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director Che Adnan Md Isa said that a patrol boat managed to locate the 16, including two crewmembers, in safe condition within an hour after receiving a distress call at 9.15am.
"They were all right but many were suffering from the cold due to continuous heavy rain and winds," he said, adding that the boat was located 0.56 nautical miles from Pulau Papan near Labuan.
He said the boat was on its way from Menumbok jetty on the Sabah mainland to Labuan when the incident occurred shortly before 9am.
The boat was towed to the Labuan ferry terminal.
Capt Che Adnan advised all boat operators to ensure that their boats are seaworthy in every aspect and for all passengers to don life jackets.
"They must also avoid taking risks during bad weather and ensure that the number of passengers does not exceed the permissible limit," he added.
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