| Faza Suraj |
A FISHING boat that capsized in Labuan on March 26 was found drifting in Brunei waters yesterday.
The 30 feet-long boat, which sported the words ‘Green Belait’ on its green and white body, was found by BSP’s Maritime SAR S-92 Helicopter at 9.13am near the coastal area of Danau in the Tutong District.
Fisherman Marran bin Sahibul, 24, was plying his trade at a regular spot on March
26 when his boat ‘Green Belait’ hit a hard object, sinking the vessel.
However, Marran managed to hold on to an ice box used to store fish, and swam to safety.
His father Sahibul bin Omar, was surprised to learn that the capsized boat had reached Brunei waters.
Photo circulated via WhatsApp shows the capsized boat
“He was just two miles from Tanjung Kubung when water suddenly started to fill the boat,” said the 54-year-old.
“My son swam to shore at around 6.30pm and was stranded at the Manikar Beach Resort coastal area until 4am the following day.
“He was weak when I saw him, so I let him rest before bringing him to the police station in the afternoon,” he said, adding that Marran had been a fisherman for six years.
Corporal Haslinda binti Abdul Jamil a member of the Operational Room from the Labuan State Police Station informed that the incident occurred on March 26, 2016 where a boat hit a hard object which caused water to fill and led to its sinking.
Sergeant Major Nathan, from the Labuan Police Marine, said the department was not investigating the case as Marran was found safe.
The Royal Brunei Police Force said the Marine Department will arrange for the remains of the boat to be sent back to Labuan.
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