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Kuching, Sarawak – A Heartbreaking Loss at Sea
In a tragic turn of events, a local fishing boat captain, 43-year-old Sumardi, an Indonesian national, lost his life after falling overboard on September 19. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) confirmed the recovery of his body, highlighting the risks faced by those who work at sea.
Incident Overview
The incident was reported by Eric Yeo, the owner of the fishing boat, who alerted the authorities after Sumardi fell unconscious following his rescue from the water by two crew members. The Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kuching was notified promptly, initiating a search and rescue (SAR) operation at approximately 2:30 PM.
First Admiral Kamal Ariffin Jusoh, Director of Sarawak Maritime, provided an update on the recovery efforts, stating that the captain’s body was located and retrieved after extensive searches by the MMEA, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DoF), and the Malaysian Marine Department (JLM).
Timeline of Events
Afternoon Search Operations
- 2:30 PM: SAR operation launched after the distress call from Eric Yeo.
- 4:00 PM: KM MARLIN dispatched to assist in locating the vessel and the captain.
- 11:08 PM: Successful recovery of both the captain and the fishing boat, located 36 nautical miles north of Tanjung Po.
The combined efforts of the agencies involved showcased the effectiveness of collaboration in addressing maritime emergencies.
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Recovery and Aftermath
Sumardi’s remains were brought back to the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex (KOMTAS) jetty in Muara Tebas, arriving around 12:15 PM the following day. The body was subsequently handed over to officials from the Ministry of Health (MoH) for further examination before being referred to the police for additional actions.
In expressing his condolences to Sumardi’s family, First Admiral Kamal urged the maritime community to exercise heightened caution while at sea. He emphasized the necessity of adhering to safety protocols, including wearing life jackets and utilizing personal locator beacons (PLBs).
Safety Measures and Recommendations
The tragedy underscores the need for increased awareness regarding maritime safety. First Admiral Kamal’s recommendations included:
Importance of Safety Gear
- Life Jackets: Always wear life jackets when on board to increase chances of survival in emergencies.
- Personal Locator Beacons: Carry PLBs to ensure immediate assistance can be summoned in case of distress.
Weather Conditions
- Postpone Activities: He urged fishermen and boat operators to refrain from heading out during adverse weather conditions to prevent accidents.
Community Support and Resources
In light of this incident, the maritime community is reminded of the support services available. For emergency assistance or to report maritime incidents, the public can contact the Sarawak Maritime operations center at 082-432544 or through the emergency hotline at 999.
Conclusion
The loss of Captain Sumardi is a stark reminder of the perils faced by those in the fishing industry and the critical importance of safety measures while navigating the waters. As the community mourns this tragic incident, it is essential to reflect on the necessary precautions to ensure such accidents do not recur.
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