KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The boat tragedy last Monday off Kelantan that claimed six lives is a tragic reminder of the need to exercise utmost caution when setting out to the waters offshore Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and eastern Johor.
Experienced fishermen in the four states can vouch for that.
A sudden storm that brought on huge waves at about 8 pm capsized the boat carrying 20 people who had set out to fish and jig squid. Twelve of them were rescued but six drowned and two are missing.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) says the prevailing South-West Monsoon which is synonymous with dry weather should not be taken lightly by fishermen and others going out to sea because thunderstorms can occur all of a sudden, causing strong winds and high waves.
MetMalaysia director-general Jailan Simon said these thunderstorms and the sea conditions can be dangerous for small boats.
These storms usually occur in the late evening to early night due to the movement of clouds from land to sea and when there is the concentration of wind over the South China Sea, he told Bernama.
“We constantly monitor the weather and waves at sea and issue warnings whenever there are significant changes in the weather pattern,” he said.
Jailan said that last Monday, MetMalaysia issued a warning at 5.55 pm of thunderstorms and rough seas in the country’s waters.
The boat carrying the 20 people capsized in a storm at about 8 pm.
Twelve people were rescued but six people – Mohd Syahrizan Daud, the 40s; Muhamad Zaki Muhamad Nordin, 19; Wan Aminudin Wan Hussin, 60s; a Thailand national identified only as Pokta, 50s; Ahmad Syafiq Che Alim, 30, and Harun Daud, 57 – drowned. Two others – Arman Ismail, 43; and Che Wadi Bakar, the 40s – are missing.
Several fishermen in the east coast states who were interviewed said fine weather at sea can deteriorate into a storm all of a sudden, leaving the unwary grappling for their lives.
Some of these fishermen claim that thunderstorms and rough seas usually occur before the monsoon season sets in.
“We were aware that the thunderstorms and rough seas began occurring about two weeks ago,” said Idris Kancil, a 51-year-old fisherman who was approached at the Kuala Kemasin Fish Landing Jetty in Bachok, Kelantan.
Idris, who has been going out to sea from the time he was just 15 and now owns a Class A boat, said the sudden storms can be a danger not only for fishing enthusiasts but experienced fishermen as well.
“Even experienced fishermen like us can get trapped if we are to ignore the weather warning issued by the Meteorological Department,” he said.
Another fisherman, Ismail Isa, 54, said fishermen, through experience, understand the weather well.
“Usually, we will know when a storm is brewing by just observing the sky, wind condition, and the sun. It is difficult for me to explain to you but an old hand can tell when the sea will get rough and the winds become stronger,” he said.
Talib Husain, 62, chairman of the Kuantan Fishermen’s Association in Pahang, said it is usual for sudden changes in the weather in the middle of the year, especially at night, and fishermen always take precautions.
“A storm at sea, especially at night, is more dangerous than one on land because the sea is a vast expanse. Usually, fishermen will make sure that their boat rides the waves when they are caught in a storm. However, it is better to postpone a trip to see if one knows there’s going to be a storm,” he said.
Beserah fisherman Ramli Mohammad, 45, said the dark sky two days ago made him decide not to go out to sea and his instinct was right because a storm did occur.
He said his 11 years of experience as a fisherman enables him to predict a storm and that such a storm will usually last about an hour.
A Terengganu fisherman, Mohd Rusdan Mamat, 47, said he gives priority to safety and always adheres to standard operating procedures set by the government when setting out to sea.
“I refer to the weather forecast on the Internet. Although it may not be 100 percent accurate, it lets you get prepared for any emergency. However, if the weather is bad, I will skip going out to sea.
“The weather at sea is difficult to predict. It can change in the blink of an eye. However, with the security apparatus, fishermen can take shelter in a safe place,” he told Bernama.
Wan Mat Zuki Wan Ali, 40, who has been a fisherman since leaving school 23 years ago, said he will not go out to see if he notices that the sky on the horizon is dark and he can feel the wind on land.
“The best thing to do when a storm is about to strike is to take shelter at a nearby island, such as Pulau Perhentian or Pulau Redang,” he said, adding that he will make sure that he brings along his safety jacket and the handphone is fully charged.
Sources: BERNAMA
