MMEA rescues four from capsized boat in Lahad Datu

Swift action: MMEA personnel rescuing some of the victims after their boat overturned.

KOTA KINABALU: Four people, including a boy, were rescued by a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) vessel that happened to be patrolling in the area when their boat capsized in Sabah’s east coast Lahad Datu district.

In the incident at about 1pm on Tuesday, the victims, comprising three women and a boy aged between 10 and 40, were travelling in a pump boat when it overturned after being hit by high waves and strong winds near Kampung Puyut waters.

Lahad Datu MMEA director Commander Nik Mohd Rizam Nik Mohd Fauzi said their patrol vessel, which was nearby, spotted the incident and quickly made its way to the location.

“The victims were immediately rescued. None of them sustained any injuries.

“We believe all the victims were not wearing life jackets,” he said in a statement.

Nik Mohd Rizam urged the public, especially those going out to sea, to make safety a top priority.

“Life jackets must be prepared, particularly for water activities or locations that could pose a risk,” he said.

He also urged the people to cooperate with the MMEA by providing information on incidents at sea or any suspicious activity by calling the 24-hour hotline at 089-885 727 or the Malaysian Emergency Response Services (MERS) 999 number.