BATU PAHAT: Four fishermen were rescued by a trawler after their fishing boat sank after it was hit by a huge wave near here.

       Johor MMEA deputy director (operations) Maritime Capt Simon Templer Lo Tusa said that the incident occurred at about 12.15am on Friday (Dec 17).

       “The victims, aged from 25 to 34 years old, are fishermen from Pontian Kechil. They managed to save themselves by hanging on to their overturned boat.

       “All victims were wearing life jackets and were rescued by another fishing boat in the area at around 9am,” he said in a statement.

       He added that the victims' boat sank 3.9 nautical miles (7km) southwest of Pantai Perpat, and the fishermen were rescued 10.8 nautical miles (20km) southwest of Pantai Perpat and taken to the fishermen’s jetty in Pontian.

       “We also deployed two of our boats and a plane for the search and rescue operation,” he said, adding that the agency also used the Malaysian Maritime Sea Surveillance System radar to locate the boat.

       He also advised fishermen to be cautious when going out to sea and to ensure all safety equipment was in good condition.