Four missing fishermen have been found alive floating in a fishing box off the coast of Malaysia after going missing for five days.
The crew set out for sea on January, 29, but their boat was struck by a huge wave in treacherous weather and sank.
Captain Mohd Zaidi Camry Abdullah, 43, and three of his crew members Muhammad Herman Arpat, 25, Sinasi Badu, 44, and Frenky Daud Amin, 40, built a makeshift lifeboat made out of two fish boxes after they found a leak at the bow of their boat.
Knowing the boat was quickly sinking, the four men grabbed their food supplies, left the boat and climbed into the two large orange containers in the hope of finding safety.
The crew ran out of water on the fourth day and desperately started collecting rainwater to drink.
But after five days they were rescued by a passing transport ship which spotted them 75 nautical miles from the Miri River in Sarawak State on Saturday, February 4.
The captain said: ‘Our drinking water supplies ran out on the fourth day, while food supplies were still there. We also collect rainwater for drinking.’
He added they departed from the Piasau jetty at 9 am on January, 28, and headed for the PC4 landing area which is located approximately 50 nautical miles from Miri.
He said: ‘Around 6 pm, we anchored to rest because the waves were getting big.
‘Then around 1 am, the weather was worse and we tried to hold on until morning but the waves grew bigger and the boat suddenly leaked.
‘We tried to draw the water out but the water was rising and after lifting the fish box, it was found that the bow of the boat had broken and the water was entering quickly.’
‘After that, we dumped the fish in the box and tied up the two fish boxes. Then I told the others to get their respective bags with food supplies to go into the fish box.’
Miri Maritime Zone director Mohd Shafie Paing said the four fishermen were given health assistance.
He said: ‘They were transferred to the KM Tabah ship belonging to the Maritime Law Enforcement Agency team before being taken to Marina Bay Pier for further action.
‘Once arriving at the pier, the medical team from the Ministry of Health conducted an examination and provided initial treatment to all victims who were weak due to dehydration.’
The victims were then taken to the hospital for further medical treatment.
He added: ‘Luckily all the victims survived. They climbed into two fish boxes before being rescued by a transport ship that passed through the waters.
‘Make sure the ship and its engines are in good condition. Cancel your intention to go to sea if the weather is bad.’