DALAT (Dec 23): Four Russian sailors narrowly escaped danger when their yacht, Pilgrim, ran aground on a sandbar near Kuala Oya beach on Friday night. Despite heavy rain and strong winds, all crew members managed to safely reach the shore using a life raft.
According to Dalat police chief DSP Saga Chunggat, the yacht was stranded about 50 to 100 meters from shore after severe weather disrupted their journey.
“Following information received from the public around 8pm, I immediately contacted the relevant authorities, including the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Mukah Fire and Rescue Department,” said Saga in a statement.
He explained that the challenging weather conditions initially delayed rescue efforts. “However, after the rain eased, police and residents from Kampung Senau successfully located the crew on Kuala Oya beach,” he added.
The yacht’s captain, Sinelnik Sergei, reported that a malfunction in navigation equipment and unfamiliarity with the area caused the incident. The crew had been traveling from Miri to Kuching, with a stopover in Labuan, before the accident occurred.
“All four had valid travel documents. Aside from requesting a tugboat to free their yacht, they did not need further assistance,” said Saga.
As of this writing, Pilgrim remains stranded near Kuala Oya beach, awaiting further efforts to dislodge it.
Local authorities have urged boat operators to be vigilant, especially during the monsoon season, to prevent similar incidents.
