A SECOND test run of a repaired boat ended in tragedy off Tanjung Harapan yesterday, leaving three people dead, including a young child, and two others still missing. Only one person survived the incident.
The six individuals aboard the vessel were reportedly conducting a sea trial when the boat capsized at approximately 4.30pm, roughly 0.3 nautical miles west of Tanjung Harapan.
Selangor Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh, confirmed that the boat had been taken out from the Royal Selangor Yacht Club in Zone 14, Port Klang.
“According to the information received, the victim’s boat had previously broken down. After it was repaired, he wanted to test it out at sea, bringing along his family and friends,” he said.
“Yesterday afternoon, he took his family and friends out to sea in that boat.”
The two still missing have been identified as Gan Hon Tat, 32, and his wife, Careen Man, 29, both residents of Klang Utama.
Rescue efforts led by the Selangor Maritime Enforcement Agency are ongoing with support from various partner agencies.
A family member of one of the victims, who identified herself only as Ang, said they were notified of the incident around 4pm.
“They had completed the repairs and were carrying out a sea trial. They weren’t out for leisure or sightseeing,” said the aunt of Foon Yong Sen, 29, who worked as a boat repair technician.
Meanwhile, the wife of 50-year-old boat captain Cheu Son Hin, who gave her name as Hong, said this was not the first test of the vessel.
“They had already carried out one trial after completing the repairs and were conducting a second one when the incident happened. Unfortunately, tragedy struck,” she said.
She added that she rushed to the jetty after receiving a call from a friend at 6pm.
“Post-mortem procedures are expected to be completed this afternoon and funeral arrangements are being made,” she said.
Preliminary investigations suggest the vessel lost control before capsizing, though the exact cause remains under inquiry. Authorities are still awaiting an official statement from South Klang district police.
In a laterst development, New Straits Times reported that the remains of three victims, including a 3-year-old child who died in the capsized boat tragedy in the waters off Tanjung Harapan, Port Klang, yesterday, have been taken to the Forensics Department of Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang.
Family members and relatives of the victims were seen gathering in the hospital compound as early as 10am today. A family member, who declined to be named, confirmed the matter.
"Yes, (the remains) have been brought (to the hospital)," the person said briefly when approached. - June 7, 2025
