373 passengers stuck at sea after ferry breaks down near Langkawi

Image just for illustration 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Marine Star 2 ferry, carrying 373 passengers, was left stranded at sea some 30 minutes after leaving the Kuah passenger terminal in Langkawi.

The Marine Department said the ferry operator towed Marine Star 2 back to the Kuah passenger terminal after the incident at 11am on Thursday (Dec 3).

All passengers were required to board the Starcity Express 3 ferry at 12.19pm for the journey to Kuala Perlis passenger terminal.

"It is said that the incident occurred due to the ferry's congested diesel filter," the department said in a statement.

The department reminded the ferry operator to ensure that such incident does not recur.

"The department has formed a team to investigate the matter further.

"We view the matter of passenger safety and comfort seriously. We also hope all passengers abide by Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs)," it added.