11 cling on to overturned boat for 3 days, rescued

SANDAKAN - Eleven Malaysians including three children were swept away and stranded on an overturned boat for three days before they were found by crew of a cargo vessel at Sibutu, Philippines yesterday.

They were said to be traveling from Tawau to Semporna last Wednesday night but the boat had overturned due to bad weather.

Strategic Communications Division of Naval Base 2 (Mawilla 2) said they were informed by Kota Kinabalu Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) at 4.30pm today.

"The PAUS Royal Ship (KD PAUS) was then dispacted considering the ship was assigned for the Southern Sands Operation around Tanjung Labian to meet with cargo vessel at 8 nautical miles of South Tanjung Labian to pick up the victims.

"A victim known as Siti Naun Osman, 25 said she and 10 other victims consisted of five women, two men and three children were on their way to Semporna from Tawau that night," the statement said today.

However, the boat they were riding had overturned after it was hit by strong waves and they had to cling to the boat.

"The victims had to survive for three days by just sitting on the overturned boat to save themselves.

"KD PAUS took the victim to Pulau Tambisan and they were handed over to Lahad Datu Marine Police (PPM) for medical attention.

"KD PAUS then continued its journey back to Tambatan Pangkalan Sandakan.

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) reminded the public to be aware of safety while at sea to avoid unwanted incidents.