By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 14: A local fishing vessel that drifted into Indonesian waters after losing communication while operating at sea has been safely returned to Sarawak following a coordinated operation between Malaysian and Indonesian maritime authorities.
In a statement today, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak said the vessel was handed over by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) near the Malaysia-Indonesia maritime boundary off Tanjung Datu.
The vessel, operated by a Lao national skipper, was reported missing after contact was lost while it was carrying out fishing activities in Malaysian waters.
MMEA Sarawak said the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kuching received information on the incident from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Putrajaya on June 12.
Following coordination between Malaysian and Indonesian authorities, TNI AL successfully located the vessel and towed it to the Temajuk Naval Post (POSAL) for inspection and further action.
Checks conducted by Indonesian authorities later confirmed that the vessel had not committed any offences during the incident.
For the handover operation, MMEA deployed patrol vessel KM Kota Kinabalu and patrol boat Pengawal 42 to the designated meeting point.
The Indonesian Navy vessel and the fishing vessel arrived at the rendezvous location yesterday morning, where the official handover to MMEA assets was successfully completed.
MMEA also provided 300 litres of diesel to the vessel to enable it to sail back to the KOMTAS Jetty in Kuching.
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral (Maritime) Mohd Khairi Abdul Aziz expressed appreciation to TNI AL, particularly Commander of the Indonesian Navy Regional Command XII Pontianak Rear Admiral Sawa, for the close cooperation and professional assistance rendered throughout the operation.
“MMEA records its highest appreciation to TNI AL for its close cooperation and professional action in assisting with the detection and handover of this local fishing vessel.
“This cooperation reflects our shared commitment to strengthening maritime security and the wellbeing of maritime communities in the region,” he said.
Mohd Khairi added that MMEA remains committed to providing emergency assistance and ensuring the safety of maritime communities and seafarers operating in Malaysian waters.
He also advised the public and maritime community to prioritise safety while at sea and to immediately report any emergencies through the 999 hotline or the Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre for prompt action. — DayakDaily
