KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Three of the six Indonesian nationals trapped in an adrift tugboat at Pantai Batu Rakit here, were successfully rescued at approximately 6.20 pm today.
Kuala Nerus Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Azmi Omar said the three men were rescued using a rope method attached to the boat and tied to the breakwater rocks.
He said the contractor had earlier used an excavator to pull the boat, which was about 50 metres out in the waters, to the side of the beach.
“Firefighters and contractors took about an hour and a half to pull the boat to the shore and rescue the victims using ropes attached to the boat, allowing them to swing out to land.
“Our concern was that they might fall while hanging out because the waves were very strong. But Alhamdulillah, all the victims were finally rescued," he said when contacted today.
Meanwhile, Kuala Terengganu district police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor said six Indonesian nationals, including the three who were successfully rescued earlier this evening, are now at the Batu Rakit police station here for further action.
According to him, the employer of the six Indonesian nationals, aged between 20 and 38, has been told to handle their return travel arrangements.
“All the victims had valid identification documents and permits.
“It is understood that the tugboat was en route to tow a barge carrying a load of sand from Songkhla, Thailand to Punggol, Singapore.
-- BERNAMA
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