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MIRI – Three men who went fishing at a coastal lagoon in Kuching district found themselves cut off from the mainland by a sudden high tide last night, forcing them to cling on to trees for dear life.
Quick action by the state Fire and Rescue Department, however, saw the trio escaping a tragic fate.
Azrol Obeng, Norazi Bahar and Mohd Syahril, in their 20s and 30s, were rescued at the Kg Trombol beachfront, on the outskirts of the state capital.
The fire department today said rescue personnel rushed to the scene after being alerted to the incident.
“The three men went to the beach to catch fish yesterday afternoon.
“They went to the edge of the sea, and did not realise that the tide was coming in fast.
“The rising waters cut them off from the mainland.
“They called villagers for help, and Bomba was alerted.”
Rescuers found the men stranded on an “island” formed by the rising waters.
"Between them and the mainland was about 50m covered by seawater,” said the department.
“Bomba units tried to use a lifeboat to reach them, but the tide was very strong, and the waves were high and turbulent.
“The three climbed up trees as the sea level rose.”
It was late into the night when the waves eased enough for rescuers to get to the men and bring them ashore, about 11pm. – The Vibes, February 13, 2021
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