KOTA KINABALU: Two Chinese tourists and a boatman sustained minor injuries when their boat was hit by another tour vessel near Singamata Island in Semporna, on Monday (Nov 9) morning.
The boat, crewed by a skipper and three others, was ferrying eight Chinese tourists to Bohey Dulang island from the Seafest Jetty when its propeller was fouled by floating rubbish.
While the crewmen were trying to untangle the propeller, another tour vessel hit the boat from behind.
Semporna OCPD Supt Tan Hiap Wah said a 29-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, both Chinese nationals, as well as a crewman, sustained minor injuries.
"The boat that was hit had damage to its rear, while the vessel that rammed them did not sustain any damage. Its crewmen also escaped unscathed," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 11).
He said they received a report of the incident at 11.12am from a 39-year-old local man, a tour company boat operator.
Supt Tan said the case is being investigated under Section 280 of the Penal Code for operating a boat recklessly and under Section 337 for causing injuries through dangerous actions.
He said both sections provide for a jail term of up to six months, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
He reminded skippers and boat operators to maintain a high level of alertness and stay focused when on duty to prevent accidents.
