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ALL individuals involved in the boat capsize incident off the coast of Tanjung Harapan on Friday are believed to have not been wearing life jackets at the time of the mishap, according to police.
North Klang District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner S Vijaya Rao, said preliminary investigations indicate the boat was piloted by its owner and capsized during a second test run after recent repairs.
“Initial findings suggest that none of the victims were wearing life jackets while conducting the sea trial,” he told reporters at the search and rescue site on Saturday.
“In any marine activity, safety is paramount. Negligence can lead to tragic consequences. I always urge those going to sea to prioritise safety features, including the use of life jackets and swimming skills,” he added.
Earlier, it was reported that three individuals, including a young child, perished in the incident, while a married couple remain missing.
Vijaya Rao said the first test run of the vessel, which included the boat owner and two others, was uneventful.
“However, during the second outing, with three additional passengers on board, the boat is believed to have capsized and subsequently sank,” he said.
He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause, including potential mechanical issues with the boat’s engine.
“We understand the boat was recently repaired and carried a ‘P’ marking, which indicates that it was permitted to transport passengers,” he said.
The tragedy, which occurred on Friday afternoon, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left two others – a husband and wife – unaccounted for, believed to have been swept away by currents. - June 17, 2025
