Four Indonesian fishermen rescued after vessel sinks in Malaysian waters

KUANTAN, Aug 10 — Four Indonesian fishermen were rescued after their vessel, KM Samudra Jaya Kelautan, sank in Malaysian waters while traveling from Tarempa to Batam on August 2. The Pahang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director, First Admiral Mazlan Mat Rejab, reported that the crew, aged between 40 and 65, were saved by a local fishing vessel (VNT) from Pahang that happened to be in the area the day prior.

The VNT transported the victims to the Kuantan Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Jetty at around 5:30am on August 8. According to Mazlan, the ship encountered turbulent sea conditions and strong waves that damaged its engines, causing it to drift for six days before sinking in Malaysian waters. The Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kuantan received the news about the fishing vessel's loss on August 4, with the official incident report arriving around 8:30pm on August 7.

The four fishermen were handed over to the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) on August 10 for further procedures, and the MMEA team expressed gratitude to the local fishing community, particularly the VNT crew, for their prompt response and assistance in the rescue efforts.