Samy Vellu Praises Courageous Youth In Tioman Ferry Tragedy

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) — MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu today praised S. Krishnamoorthy for rescuing several passengers from the ferry which caught fire and sank near Tioman Island on Oct 13. The Works Minister congratulated the 19-year-old wireman for saving the lives of the survivors. "He is a very courageous young man who deserves to be made a role model by Malaysians, especially the youths," he said in a statement.

Krishnamoorthy was showered with accolades for his heroism by 18 survivors of the "Seagull Express 2" ferry during a press conference in Klang yesterday. The teenager who saved dozens, including six children, also received RM800 from businessman M. Pandian, and was garlanded by survivors, politicians, and Group of Concerned Citizens co-ordinator Charles Santiago.

One of the survivors, Ng Soon Tiong, saw Krishnamoorty handing out life jackets to passengers and helping children off the burning ferry. He also said Krishnamoorthy repeatedly dived into the water to pull others to safety. Ng, 41, said Krishnamoorthy saved the lives of his two sons, aged 7, and 9, as well as the lives of his other relatives. "Many of us are alive today because of him. We are greatly indebted to him," Ng added.

Samy Vellu said he would ask the MIC Youth to contact Krishnamoorthy to make him a role model for the youths to emulate. "There is a lot they can learn from this young man. He has touched the hearts of many Malaysians through his heroic act," he added.

Krishnamoorthy the hero who saved dozens

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Krishnamoorthy, 19, was praised for his heroism in saving dozens of passengers during the fire on board the Seagull Express 2 ferry.

KLANG: Wireman S. Krishnamoorthy, 19, was showered with accolades for his heroism by 18 survivors of the Seagull Express 2 ferry fire during a press conference yesterday. 

The teenager who saved dozens, including six children, also received RM800 from businessman M. Pandian, and was garlanded by survivors, politicians and Group of Concerned Citizens co-ordinator, Charles Santiago. Santiago said the youth’s heroism was a shining example to all Malaysians.

A survivor, Ng Soon Tiong, 41, said he saw Krishnamoorthy selflessly handing out lifejackets to other passengers and helping children off the burning ferry.He also said Krishnamoorthy repeatedly dived into the water to pull others to safety.Ng added that Krishnamoorthy saved the lives of his two sons, aged 7 and 9, as well as the lives of several other relatives. “Many of us are alive today because of him. We are all greatly indebted to him,” he added. Krishnamoorthy said his main concern was for the children. “I tried my best to save as many as I could, but I found myself struggling to stay afloat because my jeans had become saturated with water,” he said.Despite this, however, he still managed to help many board other vessels which arrived during the rescue.He said that besides not having enough life jackets, the ferry crew failed to deploy the life rafts hung on the upper decks of the vessel. The crew abandoned the passengers, he added.

Young electrician helped fellow passengers stay afloat

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MERSING: For what seemed like an eternity, C. Krishnamoorthy struggled in the choppy waters of the South China Sea, helping fellow passengers to safety. Krishnamoorthy, 19, was among the 106 people who had jumped overboard when the ferry they were in caught fire. 

Krishnamoorthy: ‘I had to swim back and forth to bring the ropes to some passengers’

“Not everyone managed to get hold of a life vest, so I tried to keep those who were struggling to stay afloat,” he said. About 30 minutes later, passing ferries and boats went to their aid. “The people on board threw ropes and floats to us, but we were too far away because they kept a distance as they were  afraid our ferry would explode. “So I had to swim back and forth to bring the ropes to some passengers so that they could be pulled to safety,” said the electrician. 

The lad from Klang said he jumped three times into the sea after he was pulled to safety to help those who were on the verge of drowning. What was remarkable was that Krishnamoorthy never underwent swimming lessons .