By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
KUALA KURAU: Oct 26, 2026 — A total of 19 crew members of the sand dredger MV VIVO ARYA were successfully rescued in a search and rescue (CARILAMAT) operation by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) after the vessel was reported to have sunk about 25 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Pasir Hitam, Perak, yesterday.
Perak Maritime State Director Maritime Captain Zainudin Mohd Zuki said the Kuala Kurau Zone Maritime Headquarters Operations Centre received an emergency call via the 999 line at 5.53am before the CARILAMAT operation was activated at 6.30am.
The operation involved Maritime Malaysia assets KM GAGAH and Bot PERKASA 1238, with assistance from the maritime community around the incident location.
Of the 19 crew members, nine were rescued by the sand dredger MV YAODE 1 which was near the incident location, while nine others were rescued by MV VIVO DIYA while in a life raft.
All 18 crew members were then brought to Batu Maung Jetty for further action.
Another crew member reported missing, Tang Jifu, 57, a Chinese national, was found safe by Bot PERKASA 1238 while the operation was underway.
The victim was taken to the Kuala Kurau Zone Maritime Headquarters Jetty before being sent to a nearby hospital for examination and further treatment.
Zainudin said the successful rescue of all the crew members proved the importance of rapid coordination between Maritime Malaysia assets and the maritime community in ensuring assistance can be provided immediately during emergencies at sea.
“Maritime Malaysia reminds all maritime communities to always prioritise safety while at sea, including ensuring life jackets are worn properly and safety equipment is in good condition.
“Early preparations such as these are crucial to reducing the risk of loss of life when emergencies occur,” he said.
The CARILAMAT operation was officially ended at 4.30pm after all 19 crew members were successfully found and rescued.
Source: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
