KUCHING (Dec 24): A Cambodian crewman from a fishing boat that reportedly sank near Pulau Burong on Dec 17 was found safe early this morning. This marks the fourth crew member rescued as search efforts intensify for the remaining two missing crewmen.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak confirmed that Oeun Van, a Cambodian national, was discovered at Sungai Serpan Laut in Asajaya around 3.30am. He was immediately transported to the Asajaya Health Clinic for medical evaluation.
The search continues for the missing crewmen: Chaloem Sonada, a Thai national, and Cambodian Thy Ny.
Sarawak Maritime director First Admiral Kamal Ariffin Jusoh stated that the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) Kuching received a distress report at 6.43pm on Dec 17. This triggered a multi-agency search-and-rescue (SAR) operation.
“Three other crew members were rescued earlier by a fishing vessel approximately 3.5 nautical miles west of Pulau Burong. They are Khlok Sem from Cambodia, along with Adikah and Irman, both Indonesians. The survivors were brought to Kampung Goebilt Jetty around 6pm yesterday,” said Kamal.
The ill-fated fishing boat reportedly sank 7.5 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Sipang after suffering an engine room leak. SAR teams have since established a forward operating base at the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex, headquartered in Muara Tebas.
Despite challenging sea conditions, MMEA remains committed to aiding the maritime community. Kamal urged the public to report any information related to the incident to the Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre via hotline 082-432006 or the emergency line 999.
The agency assured that search efforts will persist until all missing crew members are accounted for.
