MMEA has advised fishermen to refrain from fishing at such area to avoid untoward incident
KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) advised the maritime community to refrain from carrying out their fishing activities at area close to the border to avoid any untoward incident or occurrence.
This was following 14 individuals (11 anglers and three crew members including a foreigner and skipper) who were detained by Indonesian authorities at 53.2 nautical mile north of Tanjung Datu at around 9am on Wednesday, but arrived safely at the Santubong Boat Club jetty, Santubong here at 12.50pm this afternoon.
Sarawak MMEA assistant director (operation) Lt Commander Musli Jaafar said it was the negotiation between MMEA and the Indonesian authorities that led to their release at 2pm on Thursday.
Following the incident the vessel owner was informed by the skipper via a text message at 7.12am on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the skipper Abang Abdul Oswanzir Abang Ahmad Ahmad, 47, from Kampung Sungai Berdaun, said the Indonesian authorities released four warning shots before they were approached by a warship.
He pointed out that he was grateful that none of the anglers and his crew members were injured during the incident and were released safely.
“We were fishing when they approached and later released four shots and entered our vessel claiming that we have encroached into their waters. However, as I based our location from the navigation coordinates we were still in our own waters.
“This was the first encounter after 20 years of experience as a skipper navigating anglers to the sea.
An angler Ma’ck Crose, 54, said fishing has always been his hobby and for this trip he brought along his family members including his son who was still waiting for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, (SPM) result.
“As for now I’m still traumatised when such huge warship approached. But after we were detained and brought to their warship, all of us felt calm due to the good treatment given by the Indonesian authorities. We were also provided food and drinks no violence was involved during the incident.
“On Thursday at about 1pm we were told that we could go back that was where we got a sense of relief and started our journey back at 3pm. And after 22 hours’ journey we reach our destination here.”
His son Calaston Ma’ck Crose recalled the incident when he first heard the blast from the shots while, he was having his breakfast.
“I heard people saying we had been shot; I was wondering why are we were being shot at and they (Indonesian authorities) shouted asking all of us to gather at the front of the vessel. They then entered the vessel and carried out their inspection and our fish were seized.
“I’m grateful that all of us are safe. As I arrived at the jetty I immediately checked by SPM result and was once more grateful with the result I’ve achieved,” he said without specifying.
