KUALA LUMPUR: The helicopter belonging to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), which made an emergency landing off Pulau Angsa yesterday, was lifted out of the water last night.
MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin said the AW139 aircraft was brought to the Subang Maritime Air Station at 3.30am today.
"The AW139 helicopter belonging to the (MMEA), which made an emergency landing off Pulau Angsa waters yesterday morning, was successfully lifted with the assistance of the aircraft maintenance company at around 12:15am.
"The aircraft was then brought to the Klang Port jetty and subsequently transported to the Subang Maritime Air Station (SUMS) at 3.30am for further action," he said.
The four crew members involved in the incident are reported to stable.
"All of them underwent thorough health examinations following standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the agency yesterday.
"MMEA also requests that all crew members be given space and not be disturbed by any parties to stabilise the situation after the incident," he said.
The helicopter was reported to have made an emergency landing during a rescue exercise at 9.55am yesterday.
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The AW139 helicopter bearing registration number M72-01 is one of three aircraft within the distinguished AW139 series under Squadron Phoenix.
This series falls under the Air Operations Division of the Malaysian Maritime Operations Unit and was acquired from the government in the year 2010.
"With a flight record of nearly 5,000 hours, this helicopter has undertaken various operational flight missions such as Op Naga, Op Kuda Laut, Op Pagar Laut, Op Benteng, Op Jangkar Haram, Op Patkor Optima, Op Redback, and other enforcement operations."
He said the helicopter has been actively involved in various Search and Rescue (SAR) operations coordinated by Maritime Malaysia.
"Among the notable achievements is the successful rescue of five stranded anglers due to adverse weather conditions on Pulau Batu Berantai, off the northwest coast of Pantai Remis, Jeram in 2022.
"The helicopter has also frequently transported the Special Action and Rescue Team (STAR Team) for force boarding operations.
"It also plays a crucial role in assisting the Indonesian Sea Security Agency (BAKAMLA) in apprehending a registered Iranian tanker suspected of engaging in illegal oil transfer in Indonesian waters last year," he said.
The aircraft that has been in service for 14 years has also been involved in several series of medical evacuations for victims on islands or oil platforms within the country's waters.