Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Sandakan Sea rescue drama: Swift action saves 10 tourists


SANDAKAN: Ignoring a warning of strong winds and choppy seas proved fatal as a boat carrying tourists to Pulau Libaran capsized, killing a Malaysian woman.

Prompt action by the marine police, the navy, maritime personnel, police air unit and General Operations Force resulted in four Australians, two Britons, a New Zealander and three Malaysians being rescued.

Mariamah Kawari, 40, who was married to a tour agent, was found by villagers in the waters off Tanjung Pisau. However, she died later.

Malaysian tour guide Robert Ernest, 26, was found alive seven hours later treading in the waters off Pulau Libaran.

Two of the tourists swam 4km to Tanjung Pisau and alerted the authorities.

Those rescued were Suzanne Cliston, Megan Jones, Kimberly Cinpoy and Ross Webber from Australia, and Russel Holdsworth, 49, and Christina Grand, 58, of Britain. The New Zealander has not been identified.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Sandakan Sea rescue drama: Swift action saves 10 tourists

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