Tears, cries greet return of 13 feared missing at sea

 

Family members hug and cry as the anglers and crew members safely returned to the MMEA jetty in Kuala Terengganu. - NSTP/GHAZALI KORI

KUALA TERENGGANU: Tears and cries from loved ones greeted 13 men comprising 10 anglers and three crew members on their arrival at the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Jetty here today.

The 13, aged between 32 and 52, arrived safely at the jetty at about 9am after missing for seven days in the high seas after their boat became stricken.

Those rescued wave at their family members while onboard MMEA vessel in Kuala Terengganu. - NSTP/GHAZALI KORI

They were found by the Setia Teguh supplier ship from Petrofac at about 1.40pm yesterday near the waters of Cendor platform, which is some 80 nautical miles from here.

Terengganu MMEA director, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the agency's vessel KM Redang was immediately dispatched after being informed that the 13 had been found near the platform.

One of the rescued victim undergoes health screening at the MMEA jetty in Kuala Terengganu. - NSTP/GHAZALI KORI

He said the victims were transferred to the MMEA vessel and their stricken boat was also towed.

"It took us about 12 hours to reach the jetty because of the sea conditions and the unpredictable weather.

"In fact, the rope towing their boat snapped due to the high waves and the rough seas.

"Thank God all the victims are safe. We will detain the tekong and his two crew for further investigation," he told reporters at the MMEA office here today.

Those rescued, offer prayers upon reaching safely at the MMEA jetty in Kuala Terengganu. - NSTP/GHAZALI KORI

It was reported that 10 anglers and three crew members were feared missing at sea after the boat they hired for a fishing trip failed to return to Pengkalan Kubur jetty in Besut since Wednesday.

The incident also saw the victim's family members lodge a police report before the search and rescue operation was carried out before they were found.

Zairi Nurudin, fells on his knees in supplication after arriving safely at the MMEA jetty in Kuala Terengganu. - NSTP/GHAZALI KORI

The boat, with registration number KNF 7040, left the Pengkalan Kubur jetty in Kuala Besut at 10am last Saturday (June 25).

The anglers were said to be on a fishing trip to the Tapis Oil Rig about 128 nautical miles from the Kuala Terengganu estuary.

One of the rescued angler is welcomed by his family members at the MMEA jetty in Kuala Terengganu. - NSTP/GHAZALI KORI

The anglers are believed to be from Teluk Intan, Perak, and had rented the boat from the Pengkalan Kubur Jetty, Besut. - NST

Tears of joys were shared by family members after seeing their loved one rescued at the MMEA jetty in Kuala Terengganu. - NSTP/GHAZALI KORI