MMEA: 20 fishermen rescued from burning boat near Kuala Endau

MERSING: Twenty fishermen of a local fishing boat escaped unhurt after their boat caught fire on Thursday (Aug 8) at around 9.30pm.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said the incident took place at 13.7 nautical miles or 25.37km in the waters off Kuala Endau, Pahang.

MMEA Mersing Maritime Zone director Khairul Nizam Misran said it had transmitted information regarding the incident to the Johor Baru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC).

"We mobilised a patrol boat to the scene and all 20 victims were rescued by another local fishing boat which was nearby the location," he said in a statement.

Khairul said the 20 Laotian fishermen were taken to the Teluk Gading Maritime Post and were handed over to their employer.

"All of them have valid documents and are legally employed as fishermen in the country," he added.

Khairul said initial investigation showed the fire started from the engine room before spreading to other parts and about 80% of the boat were damaged in the incident.