MMEA rescues two American sailors after mechanical failure off Miri

MIRI (March 21): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri successfully rescued two American nationals after their sailboat, French Kiss, experienced mechanical failure in Miri waters last night (March 20).

MMEA Miri director Capt Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said a patrol vessel was immediately dispatched upon receiving an emergency distress signal from the sailboat.

“Following our search and rescue operation, our patrol team successfully located the sailboat with its two American sailors, both of whom were safe and uninjured,” he said in a statement.

The MMEA then towed the sailboat to Marina Bay Jetty for further assistance.

The American sailor couple safely rescued.

Mohd Khairol urged seafarers to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and wear life jackets as precautionary measures to enhance their safety at sea.

The successful rescue highlights the MMEA’s efficiency in handling maritime emergencies and safeguarding seafarers in Malaysian waters.

For maritime emergencies or safety-related information, the public can contact the emergency hotline 999, the MMEA Miri Operations Centre at 085-649111, or the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544 / 082-432016 for immediate assistance.

-Agency