LAHAD DATU: Swift action by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has saved two individuals as their pump boat caught fire off Lahad Datu waters, Saturday.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the MMEA boat was returning to Lahad Datu Fishery jetty after an operation off Telukan waters when they spotted a pump boat catches fire nearby.
“The team immediately provided assistance to control the fire and ensure two individuals on board, identified as Ishara Mansor and Mizfar were in safe condition.
“The fire was managed to be put under control and the pump boat was escorted to the Lahad Datu Fishery jetty for further action,” he said, in a statement on Sunday.
Dzulfikhar reminded boat operators to always check on their boat condition, especially the engines, wiring and fuel storage to avoid any risks.
Meanwhile, earlier in operation, MMEA apprehended a fishing vessel for operating too close to shore Dzulfikhar said the vessel was detained at 0.9 nautical miles at the south of Tanjung Melandong waters.
The result of inspection found the vessel was operated by a 32-year-old local man and crewed by two local men aged 18 and 31.
“Further inspection found that the vessel was committing an offence of fishing too close from shore, breaching the Fisheries Act 1985,” he said.
The vessel, crews and its catches were taken to Lahad Datu Maritime jetty for further action.
Dzulfikhar added that stern action will be taken against vessels violating licence terms.
He urged the public to report maritime crimes or emergencies via WhatsApp to the Lahad Datu Maritime Operations Centre at 016-9305727 or through MERS 999.
