KLANG: Fong Yong Sen and Alvin Chang Yan Qin were the mechanics who had overhauled the engine of the boat that capsized west of Tanjung Harapan, says a close friend of one of the victims.
Jerry Lim said his friend Fong, 27, and the latter’s apprentice Chang, 17, had serviced and overhauled the boat’s engine before sending it back to 50-year-old owner Cheu Son Hin at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club on that fateful Friday.
“The first trip out to sea was a test drive with just Ah Hin (Cheu), Yong Sen and Alvin on board. It went well with no issues.
“The second trip out to sea was a fun drive, which included Ah Hin’s friends from the yacht club,” said Lim, 21.
Five adults and a child had gone on the second trip out to sea. However, tragedy struck when the boat capsized.
Cheu, Fong, as well as spouses Gan Hon Tat, 32, and Careen Man, 29, and the couple’s three-year-old son Darren Gan, lost their lives.
The remains of Cheu, Fong and Darren were retrieved from the ill-fated vessel on Saturday.
The bodies of the couple were found yesterday morning.
According to Lim, after the first test drive had gone well, Gan asked Cheu if he and his family could go out on a fun ride.
It was Ah Hin who drove the boat on both trips, Lim claimed, adding that Cheu ran a business selling fishing equipment and supplies while Gan was a seafood supplier.
Meanwhile, a source from the search and rescue team said Chang, the sole survivor, was the only one who had worn a life vest.
Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh advised the public to be cautious when setting out to sail.
“Maritime Malaysia would once again like to remind the public to prioritise safety aspects when carrying out activities at sea.
“The use of safety jackets, monitoring of current weather conditions and expertise in handling boats are the basic things that have to be given serious consideration,” Captain Abdul Muhaimin said on Saturday.
