PONTIAN: Two local fishermen who have been missing since Thursday (Jan 4) have been found by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Johor MMEA director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said Mohd Tan Sahubat, 55, and Mohd Safiuddin, 35, were found some 4.1 nautical miles (7.6km) north-east of Tanjung Piai.
“The fishermen went out to sea at about 3.30pm on Thursday (Jan 4).
"At about 10pm, they called their families to inform them that their boat was experiencing some problems in Pendas waters.
“After that, the families could no longer reach them and contacted the Johor Baru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) at about 11.20pm to ask for help.
“The Perkasa 42 boat was then deployed to search for the victims, who were found at about 1.30am on Friday (Jan 5),” he said in a statement.
He added that the fishermen managed to fix the engine on their boat and were escorted back to shore by the MMEA vessel.
“We would like to remind fishermen to always ensure that their boats are in good condition before going to sea, especially during monsoon season and bad weather.
“If they get into difficulties at sea, they should reach out to the Johor Maritime Operation Centre at 07-2199401 or MERS 999,” he said.
