T
Toshiie Maeda
Guest
Monday December 27, 2010
Three killed in boat tragedy
By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
[email protected]
MERSING: Three Singaporeans died and two more are missing after a boat carrying 29 people capsized while on its way back from a fishing trip near Sibu Island here.
The deceased were identified as Adrian Tan, 67, Chua Lim Khoon, 45, and Low Li Jun, 33.
“The two victims still missing are Ng Kian Teck, 44, and Tor Soon Kwee, 41,” said Mersing OCPD Deputy Supt Mohd Nor Rashid.
The incident happened just 200m from the Tanjung Leman jetty.
DSP Mohd Nor said strong winds and choppy waves could have resulted in the boatman not being able to control the vessel.
He added that the boat which was carrying 19 Singaporeans, nine Malaysians and one China national was overloaded.
“Initial investigations revealed that the boat could carry about 12 passengers but there were 29 people on board.
“All the victims were not wearing life jackets,” he said.
DSP Mohd Nor said the boat captain and owner of the kelong (boat) have been detained and that the case is being investigated under Section 304(A) of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or fine or both.
One of the passengers, Singaporean Lim Tai Wee, 35, is traumatised over the loss of his two cousins.
“One minute we were enjoying the holiday and the next we were struggling for our lives when the boat capsized.
“It was very windy and the waves were hitting the boat hard,” he said in between sobs.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said officers from Singapore’s Consulate-General in Johor Baru are already on their way to Mersing to provide assistance.
Singaporeans who are unable to reach their loved ones who were on board the boat could contact the ministry’s duty office at +65-6379-8800 (24 hours) and the Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Baru at +60-7226-5012 (24 hours),” the ministry said in a statement.
