3 Dead, 9 Injured In Pulau Perhentian Boat Capsize. Here Is What We Know So Far
Two of the deceased were children.
Cover image via Buletin TV3Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
On Saturday night, 28 June, a boat carrying 15 passengers capsized off Pulau Perhentian amid a storm with heavy rain and rough seas, leaving three dead and nine injured
According to the New Straits Times, two of the three deceased were children.
Besut police chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu said the victims were identified as Arumugam Sativelo, 40; his daughter, Sarrvihka Arumugam, 3; and their relative, Vennpani Vijeya Raj, 10.
In a recent Facebook post, MIC Youth said Vennpani was the daughter of Vejaya Raj Maniyan, the party's former Baling division youth leader.
All 15 passengers on the boat were from three families based in Butterworth, Penang.
1. How did the incident happen?
The boat was on a sightseeing trip, ferrying 15 passengers from their resort on Pulau Perhentian Besar to Pulau Perhentian Kecil to watch a fire show, reported China Press.
They reportedly had dinner on the islet before returning.
According to Azamuddin, the boat driver initially advised the passengers to delay their return due to bad weather, but they insisted on heading back as it was already late.
During their journey back, at about 10.30pm, the boat encountered heavy rain and rough seas.
When the boat was about 20m away from Pulau Perhentian Besar, a huge wave reportedly struck and overturned the boat.
A Bernama report yesterday, 29 June, mentioned that two of the passengers are still receiving treatment, with a six-year-old currently in critical condition.
2. How were the victims rescued?
According to Bernama, Terengganu Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Captain Hamiludin Che Awang said a search and rescue operation was launched at 11.17pm after a distress call was received.
It is understood that people who witnessed the boat capsize managed to rescue several passengers, but were unable to save the three victims who drowned, reported China Press.
All victims were taken to the Besut Tourist Jetty before being transferred to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu for treatment.
The boat driver, believed to be in his 20s, was also rescued.
3. Who was responsible for the incident?
While the investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident, police revealed that the boat driver has five prior drug-related criminal offences.
According to The Star, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the boat driver tested positive for drugs after the incident and has since been arrested.
Tiong also revealed that both the travel agency and the boat operator had violated several laws and regulations.
The boat operator's licence had expired in April, and they failed to ensure the passengers were wearing life jackets.
Tiong described the incident as a gross negligence of safety, noting that the travel agency had hired a boatman with a criminal and drug record.
The MMEA will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, including checking the boat's licences, the cargo it carried, and whether all regulations were followed.
Survivors will also be contacted to assist with the investigation.
