MMEA rescued 5 fishermen found clinging to a fish cage off Pulau Ketam after their boat capsized
PETALING JAYA: Five fishermen, reported missing after their fiberglass boat was overwhelmed by rough seas, were successfully rescued yesterday by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). They were discovered clinging to safety at a fish cage located near Pulau Ketam.
Selangor maritime director, Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh, confirmed that the distress began on November 23 when the group failed to return to base or make contact after heading out to sea.
This prompted a worried family member to file a missing boat report with the Selangor Maritime Operations Centre.The search commenced after the maritime community sighted a capsized fiberglass vessel approximately 1.5 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Ketam at 12.50pm. yesterday, confirming the fishermen’s fate.
Two MMEA assets were immediately deployed for an initial search.The Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Johor Bahru promptly activated a full Search and Rescue Operation (CARILAMAT) at 1pm, establishing a Forward Operating Base (PHC) at the Kampung Telok Nipah fishermen’s jetty in Port Klang.
A crucial breakthrough occurred at 4.47pm when a local individual named Anuar reported that all five men—four Malaysians and one Indonesian, aged 23 to 57—were found alive at a nearby fish cage.
The survivors were brought to the Kampung Telok Nipah jetty aboard the vessel Penggalang 31, arriving safely at 5.50pm.
Two of the men sustained leg injuries after being stung by jellyfish.
One survivor recounted that their boat capsized after being hit by severe weather. They battled strong currents and high waves, managing to swim to the nearest fish cage for survival.
All five fishermen were immediately transported to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang for medical care.
The CARILAMAT operation concluded at 6.30pm.
MMEA took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of sea safety, urging the public to always wear life jackets and strictly monitor weather forecasts before venturing out.
The agency reminds anyone with information or facing emergencies at sea to contact the Selangor Maritime Operations Centre at 013-6606652 or the emergency line 999 for immediate assistance.
