PEKAN: Four tugboat crew members, including three Indonesians, were rescued after their vessel nearly capsized when it was hit by huge waves about 12 nautical miles southeast of Pantai Lagenda near here today (Dec 30).
All four crew members of the tugboat Muhibah AP 12, aged between 19 and 50, were wearing life jackets when they were rescued by police and Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel at about 12.30am today.
Pahang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral Mazlan Mat Rejab said the crew had alerted the Kuantan Maritime Rescue Sub-Center (MRSC) around 7.40pm yesterday, reporting that their tugboat had suffered an engine malfunction and was at risk of sinking.
"The MRSC was informed that the faulty tugboat was continuously hit by strong waves, leaving it stranded not far from Pantai Lagenda.
"MMEA's patrol boat Penggalang 19 was mobilised to the scene but could not reach the tugboat due to bad weather.
"About 12.30am, MSRC were informed that the police and APM managed to reach out to the crew members through the coastal road. The tugboat was spotted stranded not far from the shore," he said, adding all the crew members were safe.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) anticipated heavy rain to persist across Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu until today.
Mazlan said those who require assistance incase of any emergencies at sea or with information on illegal activities can contact the Malaysia Emergency Response Services (MERS 999) or Pahang Maritime Operating Centre at 09-571 7345.