Cheating Death : Skipper saves 43 from fire

KUALA BESUT: Quick action by the skipper of a burning boat saved 43 passengers in the open sea yesterday.

The skipper managed to radio three boatmen for help to evacuate 43 tourists, including three Britons.

The boat was on its way to Pulau Perhentian at 10.30am when the skipper noticed smoke billowing from the engine compartment.

He tried to put out the fire but when the blaze went out of control, he radioed for help and ordered an evacuation.


A boat to Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu State, Malaysia

The holidaymakers included 17 children from seven families from Malacca.

Norizan Atan, 38, who suffered burns on both arms, was rushed to Besut Hospital for outpatient treatment. Local Jaafar Aman, 38, was also treated.

No one else was injured. Both were discharged after a check-up.

The Malacca group tour organiser, Mat Ramlan Mat Adi, 43, said the fire broke out soon after the boat left the jetty here about 10am.

"The skipper tried to put out the fire but ordered all the passengers to remain calm and evacuate calmly to three other boats that arrived within five minutes of the SOS," Mat Ramlan said.

Arman Arshad, 34, said the passengers were afraid because they were out in the open sea

Read more: Skipper saves 43 from fire http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/10sut/Article#ixzz1Ga37iCqB