Pump boat caught fire, two individuals survived
LAHAD DATU: Two individuals faced a worrying moment when the pump boat they were riding in suddenly caught fire in the engine while on their way back to the Lahad Datu Fishing Jetty, yesterday.
In the incident at approximately 11.30am, both victims were lucky when the incident was noticed by members of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) who happened to be near the location after carrying out an operation in the waters of Telukan.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali said his personnel immediately acted to provide assistance after detecting thick smoke and flames from the boat.
“Our team quickly approached the location to provide initial assistance to control the fire and ensure that both individuals were safe.”
“Quick action by personnel at the location successfully controlled the fire before the boat was escorted to the Lahad Datu Fishing Jetty for further action,” he said in a media statement, here, today.
Dzulfikhar advised the fishing community to always check the condition of their boats, engines, wiring and fuel storage to avoid the risk of fire while at sea.
In the same operation, he said, a trawling vessel was also detained after being detected operating too close to land, at a distance of only 0.9 nautical miles south of Tanjung Melandong.
“The results of the inspection found that the vessel was operated by a 32-year-old local captain with two local crew members, aged 18 and 31 respectively.
“Further inspection also found that they violated the license conditions under the Fisheries Act 1985 by catching fish at a distance less than permitted,” he said.
According to him, Maritime Malaysia will not compromise with any fishing operators who violate license conditions and operate in prohibited areas.
He said that the operating distance regulations were set to protect the marine ecosystem and ensure that the country’s fisheries resources remain sustainable.
“Maritime Malaysia calls on the maritime community to channel information regarding suspicious activities or emergencies at sea via 999 or WhatsApp 016-9305727 for immediate action,” he said.
-Agency
