Three people, including two children, were found dead in Pulau Perhentian last night (June 28) after a boat capsized.
Besut District Police Chief, Superintendent Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu, said the incident occurred at 10:30 pm. The victims were identified as S. Arumugam, 40, his son A. Sarrvihka, 3, and their relative V. Vennpani, 10. Twelve others, including a six-year-old child, were critically injured and rushed to Besut Hospital for further treatment.
The tragedy happened during a storm with heavy rain and rough seas. The boat, which was carrying 15 passengers aged between 3 and 40, was en route from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar.
Abu explained that the boat had been chartered by three families from their accommodation on Pulau Perhentian Besar to Pulau Perhentian Kecil to watch a fire performance. After the show ended at 10 pm, the families wanted to return, despite being advised against it by the boat operator due to the worsening weather.
The families insisted on returning as it was already late.
Abu said the boat capsized and sank just 20 meters from Pulau Perhentian Besar. None of the passengers were wearing life jackets. The 20-year-old boat operator has been remanded to assist in the investigation, Berita Harian reported.
The boat driver also tested positive for drugs and has five prior drug-related criminal records.
Director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) Terengganu, Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang, said a search and rescue operation was launched at 11:17 pm after receiving information about the incident at 10:55 pm.
BERNAMA reported that the surviving victims were transported to the Besut Tourist Jetty using the Penggalang 45 Maritime Boat. They have since been taken to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu for further examination and treatment.
The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
