Two fishermen are feared drowned after their boats capsized and sank during a storm in the waters off Rambah and Pontian, near here yesterday morning.

Johor Bahru District Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Syed Nur Adli Ab Rahman said the victims were Muhammad Atif Hafifi Abd Manaf, 28, from Kampung Pesisir Pontian, while the other was only known as Amy, 20, from Sabah.

"The first incident occurred at about 11 am at a location 1km west of Sg Rambah, Pontian as Muhammad Atif Hafifi and his friend had just returned from catching fish.


Drown victim
"Suddenly a strong storm came and hit their boat causing it to capsize. The victim''s friend managed to escape by swimming to shore while the victim disappeared," he said in a statement, here today.

He said the storm also caused another boat which carried four crew members including Amy to sink at a location 1.8 km west of Sg Pontian Kecil at about the same time after sea water entered the boat.

"Three other crew members were rescued by fishermen in other fishing boats while a search team was still searching for Amy," he said.

Syed Nur Adli said the search and rescue operation involving various agencies including the Fire and Rescue Department, police, Civil Defence Force and local fishermen was activated shortly after a report was received. - BERNAMA