Speedboat overturns but 22 (including tourists) safe

Sandakan (eTN) - Twenty-two people, including 10 foreign tourists, were plucked from sea after the speedboat they were riding overturned near Pamaguan Island, about a 20-minute boatride from here, Sunday.

It was learnt the vessel was heading towards Sandakan from Selingan Island when the mishap occurred at about 7.50am.

The boat overturned after the boatman swerved to avoid hitting a log, resulting all the passengers being thrown overboard.

The passengers and the boatman were rescued by passing fishing trawlers, about 30 minutes later.

Some of the tourists claimed they lost all their belongings including passports, cameras and cash while giving their statements at the downtown police station the same day.

The tourists comprised six Britons, including three women, two New Zealenders and two Australians. The locals included three Public Works Department staff and a ranger, among others.

The tourists, aged between 22 and 57, left for Kuala Lumpur on an AirAsia flight at 5.10pm, shortly after giving their statements.

dailyexpress.com.m

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