Heroic Passenger Dies While Assisting Others During Fatal Boat Sinking Near Kuala Nerus
A tragic boat sinking off the coast of Kuala Nerus claimed the life of 37-year-old Ahmad Nasaruddin on Friday. While 11 other individuals were rescued, the victim is being remembered for his selfless efforts to assist passengers before the vessel capsized.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 MIN READ- A squid jigging boat carrying 12 people capsized off Kuala Nerus on Friday night.
- 37-year-old Ahmad Nasaruddin died while heroically helping others on the boat.
- 11 other passengers and the boat operator were successfully rescued from the water.
- Three survivors received medical treatment at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah following the incident.
Tragedy struck off the coast of Kuala Nerus on Friday evening when a squid jigging boat sank, resulting in one fatality and leaving several others injured. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9 p.m., involved 12 individuals who were participating in a sea fishing expedition. Among those on board were both customers and the boat operator.
Heroic Final Actions Before the Tragedy
The victim has been identified as Ahmad Nasaruddin, a 37-year-old electrician. According to his older brother, Ahmad Firdaus Mohmad Jalil, Nasaruddin displayed remarkable bravery during the final moments of the crisis. Before he tragically succumbed to exhaustion and passed away, he reportedly worked tirelessly to assist other passengers in ensuring their safety.
Local authorities, including Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor, provided details on the unfolding disaster. The vessel began taking on water in the engine compartment around 8:40 p.m. In a desperate attempt to find help, Nasaruddin managed to cut the anchor rope, allowing the boat operator to maneuver the sinking vessel toward nearby boats for assistance. Despite these efforts, the boat eventually capsized.
Following the sinking, 11 of the 12 people on board were successfully rescued. Emergency medical teams were immediately deployed to assist the survivors. Three individuals were transported to Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah for further medical evaluation. Reports indicate that while two survivors were treated as outpatients and subsequently discharged, one individual remains under ongoing medical care.
Investigation and Burial Arrangements
The loss of Ahmad Nasaruddin has deeply affected his family, who noted that he had only recently begun participating in these squid jigging trips two years ago. His brother, who arrived at the jetty shortly after receiving news of the accident, expressed his gratitude for the swift response of rescuers during the chaotic situation. The victim’s body was transferred to the Hospital Sultan Zainal Abidin forensics department for necessary procedures.
Arrangements have been made for the funeral, with the burial scheduled at the Kampung Bukit Tok Beng Islamic Cemetery following afternoon prayers. The community and family members gathered at the local mosque to pay their final respects. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, as investigations into the exact cause of the engine compartment failure remain ongoing.
