KK fisherman drifts into Navy offshore post after two days without food, water

Egimisak Besak at the Malaysia's offshore naval post after his boat ran out of ful and drifted into the area in April 1.

KOTA KINABALU: A local fisherman had to endure 48 hours of thirst and hunger in open waters after his fishing boat ran out of fuel.

However, 63-year-old Egimisak Besak was fortunately found safe by Malaysian Navy personnel manning a naval offshore station in waters in the west coast of Sabah, Saturday (April 1).

In state statement Sunday (April 2), the Navy's Eastern Fleet Command headquarters here said that the victim was among six other smaller boats that were lowered from a mother fishing vessel on March 30.

However, the victim and his boat lost contact with the mother boat as his boat ran out of fuel and started to drift away.

"The victim continued to drift for two days before the boat was swept into the Navy's offshore station," the statement said.

The statement also said the victim, who is from Pulau Gaya here, was given food and clothing after he was rescued.

The Navy said that the victim was in stable condition and would be sent back to Kota Kinabalu as soon as possible.

The Navy also contacted the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) and the Kampung Pulau Gaya village head to inform them of the rescue while verifying his identity for further action.