“We Asked for Life Jackets”—Says Mother Who Lost Husband and Child in Boat Tragedy

Family Holiday Turns Fatal

A family getaway to Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, Malaysia, ended in tragedy on Saturday night, June 28, when their boat carrying 15 passengers overturned in rough seas, killing three people: a father, his young daughter, and their 10-year-old relative.

Photo courtesy of Fire and Rescue Department via NST

The tragedy happened at approximately 10.30 pm while the group was en route back to Pulau Perhentian Besar from Pulau Perhentian Kecil, roughly 20 metres from shore, according to Besut police chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu.

The boat flipped after it was hit by rough waves during a sudden downpour and stormy conditions.

Victims Identified; One Child Critically Injured

The victims were identified as S. Arumugam, 40; his three-year-old daughter A. Sarrvihka; and his 10-year-old relative V. Vennpani.

One other child was reported to be in critical condition, and several passengers sustained injuries.

Photo courtesy of Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)

The 15 passengers, aged between 3 and 40, were part of a group of four families from Butterworth, Penang, and Sungai Petani, Kedah, who had arrived on the island a day before (Friday, 27 June).

The trip had been organised to celebrate the men’s 40th birthdays, according to the victim’s wife.

Passengers Requested Life Jackets Before Departing

According to NST, survivor A. Sanggetha, the wife of the victim, recounted that she and other passengers had repeatedly asked for life jackets before boarding, concerned about the dark skies and upcoming rain.

However, the boatman allegedly told them the jackets were wet and assured them the ride would be short.

The boat left Pulau Perhentian Kecil around 9 pm. However, about halfway through the trip, it began pouring heavily.

The sea turned rough, and the boat started rocking before a large wave capsized it in total darkness. Thankfully, she and her older daughter were rescued by a man nearby.

They were then taken to the clinic for treatment. While she did not know the whereabouts of her husband and younger daughter, it was only after she got hold of a phone that she learned they had died.

Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts

Local villagers who witnessed the incident rushed to help rescue passengers from the water. Three drowned in the sea.

A distress alert was received by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) at 10.55 pm, prompting a rescue mission that officially commenced at 11.17 pm, said Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang.

By 3 am, it is reported that six passengers, including the critically injured child, were taken to Kuala Besut Jetty. Others were rescued by Marine Police and MMEA boats.

Survivors were treated at the Pulau Perhentian Health Clinic and Besut Hospital, while the three bodies were sent to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu for post-mortem.

Driver Arrested After Testing Positive for Drugs

Following this, on Sunday, June 29, police confirmed that the boatman, a local man in his 20s, tested positive for drugs and had five previous drug-related offences.

He was taken into police custody for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

Boat Operator Found Operating Without a Licence

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing revealed that the travel agency and boat operator behind the trip had no valid licence, as their permit had expired in April.

He also stated that the operator had failed to ensure the use of life jackets and condemned the decision to employ a skipper with a drug history, calling it “a complete disregard for human lives.”

State Government Pledges Stricter Safety Enforcement

In response, Terengganu state tourism chairman Razali Idris said the government would propose the revocation or suspension of licences for negligent tour boat operators, according to Free Malaysia Today.

He cited three violations in this case: exceeding passenger limit, failure to enforce life jacket use, and the use of illegal substances.

He added that authorities would increase on-site inspections and safety briefings to passengers before departing.

Victims’ Bodies Returned for Final Rites

By Sunday evening, post-mortem procedures were completed, and the bodies of Arumugam and his daughter Sarrvihka were returned to Butterworth, while Vennpani was sent to Sungai Petani for funeral arrangements.

Photo courtesy of BERNAMA via Malay Mail

Community Grieves for Lost Child

In Sungai Petani, Vennpani’s grandmother, T. Panjawarnam, said she was devastated upon hearing the news, The Star reported. She raised the 10-year-old and described her as a cheerful and beloved child.

Her funeral was held on Monday, June 30, with over 300 friends and family members in attendance.

Ongoing Investigations

Authorities have launched an official investigation into the tragedy, as confirmed by the Tourism Ministry.

In response to the incident, officials have announced plans to strengthen enforcement of maritime safety rules, including stricter license monitoring and safety compliance among boat operators.