KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) yesterday (Sep 19) retrieved the body of a local fishing boat captain Sumardi, a 43-year-old Indonesian national who died after falling overboard.
Director of Sarawak Maritime First Admiral Kamal Ariffin Jusoh confirmed that Sumardi’s body arrived at the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex (KOMTAS) jetty in Muara Tebas, at approximately 12.15 pm.
The remains were handed over to the Ministry of Health (MoH) officials, who confirmed his death before the case was referred to the police for further action.
“The Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kuching was first alerted to the incident by Eric Yeo, the boat owner.
“Yeo reported that the captain had fallen unconscious after being rescued from the water by two crew members. Following the report, a SAR operation was immediately launched at 2.30 pm, with KM MARLIN dispatched to locate the boat,” he said.
The combined efforts of the MMEA, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DoF), and the Malaysian Marine Department (JLM) led to the successful recovery of both the vessel and the captain at 11.08 pm last night, 36 nautical miles north of Tanjung Po.
The body was then transferred to KM MARLIN by the KILAT 35 boat for transport back to Kuching.
Expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, Kamal urged the maritime community to remain vigilant while at sea, stressing the importance of safety measures such as wearing life jackets and carrying personal locator beacons (PLB).
He also advised postponing any sea activities during adverse weather conditions.
For emergency assistance or to report any maritime incidents, the public can contact the Sarawak Maritime operations centre at 082-432544 or through the emergency hotline at 999.
