By DayakDaily Team
BAU, Aug 22: A Sarawak-born Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) special forces member, who survived 15 hours adrift in the South China Sea after being separated from his landing position during a free-fall parachuting exercise, cited the rigorous training and discipline he underwent as crucial to his survival during the ordeal.
In a Facebook post, Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, together with community leaders, heads of the various ethnic communities (KMKK), and the Singai Area Councillor, paid a courtesy visit to the home of Laskar Kanan PAP (FKL) Michael Coccon Johen to honour his courage and perseverance.
“The meeting provided an opportunity to hear firsthand about the harrowing moments he endured and to convey the highest appreciation for his bravery.
“The incident demonstrated that every arduous training session and strict discipline within the defence forces are not merely routine exercises, but essential survival skills that can make the difference between life and death.
“The efficiency, physical endurance and mental strength demonstrated by him are a true reflection of the qualities and spirit of a national serviceman,” said the post.
Michael was the last of six Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) personnel involved in the incident on Aug 12 to be located.
While five personnel were found shortly after they drifted from their designated landing positions, Michael remained missing overnight.
He was eventually found safe at around 8am on Aug 13 after spending about 15 hours afloat in the South China Sea.
They reportedly missed their designated landing site because sudden weather changes severely reduced visibility. — DayakDaily
