Four missing in Pulau Bruit boat capsize

Four people, including an Indonesian are feared drowned when a small gravel-laden boat capsized three nautical miles off Kampung Betanak in Pulau Bruit, a two-hour boat ride from here last night.

Until presstime at 4pm Sunday, there was no sign of skipper Pawi Nyawan, in his 50s; married couple Kamal and Mera, in their 30s; and Indonesian, Angga Wahyudi, 24.

Two crew members who survived the ordeal were Melvin Francis, 20, from Serian, and Kenny Clement, 18, from Bintangor.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Central Zone) Senior Superintendent Abdul Mutalib Rashid said at about 9pm last night, the two survivors were engaged in some form of work on board the vessel when the weather took a turn for the worse.

He said at that juncture, the boat capsized and all six fell into the sea.

"While the four went missing, the two survivors kept afloat at sea by clinging to the rear of the boat," he told reporters here today.

Abdul Mutalib said based on investigations, the missing four were fast asleep when the boat capsized.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Malaysian Civil Defence Force, Marine Operations Force and the fire depertment mounted a search and rescue (SAR) operation which covered five nautical miles off the coast.

The SAR operation which was suspended about 4pm due to heavy rain and stormy sea, resumes tomorrow. -- Bernama