SETIU: Sudden and strong waves capsized a fishing boat carrying 300kg of cargo with six crew on board, into the South China Sea, about 200m off the Merang jetty.
In the incident at 12.30pm, the six crew had to endure being stuck under the fibre glass boat for nearly an hour, before fellow fishermen from the Merang jetty rescued them.
Relating the incident, the boat’s tekong, Mohammad Hakimi Yusoff, 24, said that they were returning to the jetty from Pulau Redang when they approached shallow waters.
“The currents were strong and suddenly, big waves hit us several times. We lost our balance and the boat overturned, trapping all six of us underneath.
“But my two-year experience at sea taught me not to panic and I guided my crew to remain calm, while awaiting for help, as out boat got stuck in the shallow area.
“We managed to find some space underneath the boat to breathe and stay alive,” said Hakimi, adding that currents then dragged the boat away into the sea.
All six, aged between 24 and 43, were deployed to bring back garbage and fish caught at sea.
Fortunately, none were injured seriously, except for some bruises. However, their cargo was lost at sea.
The victims were eventually rescued by about 20 fishermen and locals, who had witnessed the tragedy, and who also helped to salvage the boat.
Hakimi estimated losses at RM150,000, including damage to the boat and its engine.