Post by : Shakul

A recreational squid jigging trip turned tragic after a boat carrying crew members and participants capsized off the coast of Kuala Terengganu on Friday night. The accident claimed the life of one crew member, while eight others were rescued and three passengers sustained injuries during the incident.

The boat overturned approximately nine nautical miles from Dataran Kuala Nerus at around 9 p.m. Rescue teams responded quickly after receiving reports of the emergency, bringing survivors safely back to shore later in the evening.

One Crew Member Loses His Life

Authorities identified the deceased as 37-year-old crew member Ahmad Nasaruddin Mohmad Jalil. His body was recovered and transported to Sultan Zainal Abidin Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Three passengers who suffered injuries were taken to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital for medical treatment, while the remaining survivors escaped without serious harm after being rescued from the sea.

Boat Sank Within Minutes

According to the boat operator, the vessel had been operating normally before a large amount of seawater suddenly entered the engine compartment. Despite efforts to move the boat toward nearby vessels for assistance, the situation deteriorated rapidly.

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The operator said the boat sank within a short period, leaving everyone onboard struggling in the water until rescue arrived.

What caused the squid jigging boat to capsize?

Preliminary information suggests that seawater entered the boat's engine compartment while it was operating in rough sea conditions. The exact cause has not yet been confirmed, and authorities are conducting a full investigation to determine what led to the vessel sinking.

How many people were affected?

The boat was carrying the operator, one crew member, and ten participants. One crew member died, three people suffered injuries, and the remaining passengers were safely rescued after spending approximately 30 to 40 minutes in the water.

Were safety measures in place?

The boat operator stated that all passengers had been instructed to remain calm and wear life jackets before the incident. These precautions are believed to have helped save lives while survivors waited for rescue assistance.

Rescue Operation Saves Survivors

After the boat went under, survivors remained afloat by holding onto life jackets and each other. The operator reportedly swam nearly one mile to alert a nearby vessel, which later assisted in rescuing those stranded in the water.

Emergency responders transported all survivors to Tok Batin Jetty before they were taken to nearby hospitals for medical evaluation.

Squid jigging is one of Malaysia's most popular recreational fishing activities, especially along the coast of Terengganu during the fishing season. These trips often attract visitors from across the country and usually operate during evening hours when squid are most active.

The latest accident highlights the importance of strict maritime safety procedures, regular vessel inspections, and constant weather monitoring before recreational fishing trips begin. Authorities continue to remind operators and passengers to wear life jackets and follow emergency safety instructions while at sea.

Authorities Continue Investigation

Police and maritime authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances behind the capsizing. Investigators will examine the condition of the vessel, weather conditions, engine performance, and other possible contributing factors.

Officials have also urged recreational boat operators to remain cautious during rough sea conditions and prioritize passenger safety throughout marine activities.

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