18-07-2025
Elderly Limbang fisherman survives nightmare in rough seas, clings to gallon after boat capsizes
Tahir recalling his ordeal when met by reporters on Friday. – Photo by Mastura Ismail
LIMBANG (July 18): A 77-year-old fisherman from Kampung Seberang Kedai in Limbang survived a harrowing two-hour ordeal at sea on Thursday morning after his boat capsized in rough waters off the coast of Kuala Limbang.
Tahir Simin, a veteran fisherman with over 50 years of experience, was left drifting helplessly in stormy seas near Brunei waters, clinging only to an empty plastic gallon to stay afloat.
He had set out before dawn at 5.30am for what was supposed to be a routine fishing trip.
However, the weather turned suddenly – dark skies loomed, fierce winds howled, and powerful waves struck without warning.
'The sky was dark and the wind was strong at sea that morning.
'As I had just cast my third net, the winds howled and huge waves slammed into my boat. I tried steering toward Kuala Limbang, but the boat capsized and sank,' Tahir recalled when met by reporters today.
Thrown into the churning water, Tahir managed to grab hold of the empty gallon – the only thing keeping him from going under.
'For more than two hours, I floated just trying to stay alive. My only thought was to survive,' he said, his voice trembling.
His ordeal ended near the iconic Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Bridge when a Brunei police patrol spotted and rescued him.
'I'm deeply grateful to the Brunei police who spotted me and pulled me to safety,' he said.
Tahir was brought ashore in Brunei and received treatment for minor injuries to his right hand, believed to be caused by the impact of the sinking boat.
With help from the Malaysian Embassy, he was issued a temporary passport and returned to Limbang via the Temburong district.
He described the incident as the most terrifying of his life, despite having faced dangerous situations at sea three times before.
He said he was lucky to return home alive, only sustaining some physical wounds and losing some important documents in the ordeal.
'To the Brunei authorities who saved me – thank you. Without you, I might not be here,' he said.
News of Tahir's survival quickly spread through WhatsApp, bringing immense relief to family, friends, and fellow villagers who had feared the worst. capsized boat fisherman lead limbang survive
