In a devastating incident off the coast of Klang, a speedboat capsized, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving two others missing. The sole survivor, identified as Zhang Yanqin, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the tragedy, expressing his lingering fear and disbelief at how quickly the situation escalated.
Zhang, a technician specializing in boat maintenance, described how the group set out from the Royal Selangor Sailing Club for what was supposed to be a routine outing. Approximately 30 to 40 minutes into their journey, the speedboat began to make a sharp U-turn, which Zhang believes contributed to the accident.
“I felt the boat turning too quickly,” he recalled. “In less than 10 seconds, water started pouring in, and before I knew it, the speedboat was sinking.” Despite the chaos, Zhang managed to escape the cabin just in time, swimming to safety as the vessel submerged.
After emerging from the water, he clung to the overturned boat, anxiously scanning the sea for any sign of his companions. “I was just focused on saving myself,” he admitted, highlighting the panic that gripped him during those critical moments.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
As the search and rescue operations continue, the families of the deceased are grappling with their loss. The bodies of the three victims—29-year-old boat technician Hong Rongshen, 50-year-old boat owner Zhou Shunxing, and 3-year-old Yan Darin, the son of the missing couple—were taken to a local hospital for identification and autopsy procedures. Family members gathered at the hospital, filled with grief and uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones.
Zhou’s wife, Ms. Hong, shared her anguish, revealing that her husband was conducting a second sea trial of the speedboat when the accident occurred. “The first trial went smoothly; we never expected this to happen during the second,” she lamented.
Community in Mourning
The tragic event has left the community in shock, with many expressing their condolences and support for the affected families. As the search for the missing couple continues, the local maritime authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, including the condition of the boat, which had recently undergone engine repairs.
Zhang’s account serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with water activities, prompting calls for increased safety measures and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The emotional toll on the families and the survivor underscores the need for community support during this difficult time.
Image Source: Sin Chew Daily News