19 crew rescued after sand dredger sinks off Kuala Kurau

IPOH: All 19 crew members of a sand dredger were rescued after the vessel sank about 25 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Pasir Hitam near Kuala Kurau yesterday.

Perak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Maritime Captain Zainudin Mohd Zuki said the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Headquarters Operations Centre received an emergency call via the 999 hotline at 5.53am, prompting the activation of a search and rescue (SAR) operation at 6.30am.

He said the operation involved MMEA assets KM GAGAH and PERKASA 1238, with assistance from the maritime community in the vicinity.

"Nine crew members were rescued by the sand dredger MV YAODE 1, which was near the scene, while another nine who were aboard a life raft were rescued by MV VIVO DIYA," he said in a statement today.

He said the 18 crew members were subsequently taken to Batu Maung Jetty for further action.

In a related development, Zainudin said another crew member, a Chinese national identified as Tang Jifu, 57, who had been reported missing, was found safe by PERKASA 1238 during the SAR operation.

He said Tang was taken to the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Headquarters Jetty before being sent to a nearby hospital for further examination and treatment.

With all 19 crew members accounted for and rescued, the SAR operation was officially called off at 4.30pm, he said.

Zainudin said the successful operation highlighted the importance of swift coordination between MMEA assets and the maritime community in ensuring prompt assistance during emergencies at sea.

"MMEA reminds all members of the maritime community to always prioritise safety at sea, including ensuring that life jackets are worn properly and safety equipment is in good condition.

"Such preparations are crucial in reducing the risk of loss of life during emergencies," he said.

Reports, complaints or emergencies at sea can be made through the 999 emergency hotline or the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Headquarters Operations Centre at 011-3525 9919 to enable immediate action to be taken.