Fisherman found safe and sound after 19 daysHenry b Siyu
MUKAH: Fisherman Andrew Wee, 39, who was reported missing at sea since August 22, was found safe and sound by a group of fishermen about 25 nautical miles off Bekenu Beach near Miri about 7.00 pm Wednesday.
Fondly known as Anong among his friends, Wee has been stranded in the open sea for 19 days after the engine of his fishing vessel, which was not equipped with any communication facility, broke down.
His brother, Paul, when contacted yesterday confirmed news of the finding, saying it ended a very painful waiting period for the family.
"While I was taking my dinner about 7.30 pm yesterday (Wednesday), I received a call from Anong saying that he was safe after being rescued by fishermen off Bekenu Beach.
"He told me that a few hours before he was found, he jumped into the sea and swam towards land using a water container to keep him afloat. It was while he was swimming that he was spotted by the fishermen.
"Days earlier, when he lowered anchor soon after his engine broke down, the rope (of the anchor) snapped, which resulted in the vessel to drift slowly towards the beach.
"He was fortunate for he had sufficient food and water supply to last him that long. His vessel is now being towed to Miri for repair. He (Anong) too is also on his way to Miri," Paul said, adding that his brother was in good health although a bit tired because of the long hours swimming in the sea before he was rescued.
"We are all very thankful that he is safe. We are looking forward to seeing him in Mukah. My cousins in Miri are looking after him while he is there while my other brother Peter will be going there today (yesterday) to meet him."
Anong went out to sea on August 22 from a private jetty here. He would go out alone to fish and would return home after four to seven days.
Syukur Alhamdulillah.. :)
I was so relieved when I found out on Wednesday evening. The day before, the police called and told my aunt that they found a dead body with no eyes in Bintulu, and she along with my Uncle Paul went there to identify the body. I can't imagine how scared everyone must have been, to be prepared for the worst, but I still believed that it wasn't really him. And after that they reported about finding a headless body and the body of a little boy (!!!). It didn't turn out to be my uncle though, but I feel so sorry for the deceaseds' families.. :(
The story's on the front page of Utusan Sarawak and The Eastern Times BTW. I saw it at school and smiled.
My uncle's a fightah yo!


