KUDAT: Two local fishermen on a missing boat were rescued by Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) KM Berani at the northern sector of the East Sabah Security Zone, (ESSZone) near Pulau Kalutan Balambangan, Kudat on Monday.
Operations director of MMEA in Kudat Lt Kdr (M) Mohd Hafidz Mohd Tajuddin said MMEA Sabah and Labuan Region received a distress call on Monday about a local fishing boat that had gone missing since three days ago near Pulau Balambangan.
A search and rescue operation (SAR) was immediately carried out at 6pm on the same day.
Mohd Hafidz said KM Berani spotted the fishing boat with malfunctioned engine at 9pm approximately 10 nautical miles from where it was reported missing.
“Both the victims, Rajis bin Ismani, 30, and Mad Jais bin Saidul, 44, from Kampung Pengaraban, Kudat were found to be in weak condition as they only had drinking water with them.
“The victims received medical treatment immediately and were later brought to Kudat jetty for further treatment,” he said. The SAR ended at 11.50pm.