Emotional reunion as ex-MISC mariners launch SOS: Stories of the Seas

A heartfelt reunion of former Malaysia International Shipping Corporation crew members marked the launch of SOS: Stories of the Seas, a book documenting the challenges, camaraderie and unforgettable experiences of life at sea.

PORT KLANG: Many rushed to embrace long-lost comrades. One or two even shed tears.

That was a common sight at the launch of SOS: Stories of the Seas at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club on May 18, where nearly 70 former Malaysia International Shipping Corporation (MISC) officers and engineers gathered.

Most were in their 70s, and some had not seen each other for years. Several, however, met regularly every three to four months, and it was during one of those gatherings that the idea for the book was conceived.

It was Datuk Dr Captain Ahmad Sufian Abdul Rashid, author of Bridge to Boardroom: Voyages of a Master Mariner, who suggested that someone chronicle the tales of his former colleagues over a makan-makan session.

“The idea for the book came about in 2024 during one of our usual gatherings,” said Ahmad Sufian.

“At each session, I would hear these wonderful tales about the sea and my colleagues’ experiences. I suggested we collect them and put them into a book to document them.

“Everyone agreed, but no one was sure how to go about it, so it fell to me, since it was my suggestion. I enlisted the help of Brigitte Rozario, who edited my previous book, and that was how we got started.”

Ahmad Sufian and fellow mariner Captain Rasol Puteh then arranged and compiled interviews with their former colleagues, resulting in 94 Stories of the Seas.

SOS is more than a memoir. It captures memories of how life onboard ships forged brotherhoods strong enough to make blood relatives envious.

The recollections range from amusing anecdotes and heartfelt tales to accounts highlighting the heroism of some of the men. More importantly, the project also demonstrates the generosity of the mariners, as Ahmad Sufian and Rasol donated 600 books to the Association of Malaysia’s Maritime Professionals (Ikmal). Proceeds from the sale of those books will go towards Ikmal’s Seafarers Education Fund.

SOS, to quote former Ikmal president Captain Abdul Aziz Abdullah, is a book that exposes the good, the bad and the ugly of life onboard ships, where rules sometimes had to be broken.

Take the case of chief engineer Yau Kok Fai, for instance. He was onboard the M.V. Rimba Meranti and was supposed to meet an uncle in Whampoa, also known as Huangpu, in Guangzhou, China.

Yau’s uncle, who had been sent to the mainland in the late 1940s during World War II, travelled 400km to meet his Malaysian relative.

However, port congestion meant the ship was delayed. It was not cleared by customs, and no landing permits had been issued.

Left with no choice, Yau received permission from a kind and compassionate captain who told him: “One day. Don’t get caught.”

Yau recounted how he made the hazardous journey, “acted like a local”, and was finally reunited with his uncle before returning to the ship without alerting the Chinese authorities.

Another chief engineer, Desmond Teh, shared a powerful lesson in humanity and compassion while serving aboard the S.S. Tenaga Satu.

One Sunday afternoon, somewhere in the middle of the South China Sea, the ship’s radar picked up a faint and unusual signal that led to the rescue of Vietnamese boat people.

Captain Johari Mohd Noh reflected on his formative years at sea and how Egypt left the deepest impression on him – a place where history, conflict and resilience came together in unforgettable ways.

It is a country he has visited frequently since his first encounter in 1975.

Sivabalan Ponniah, a junior technician, shared an amusing pigeon tale that has to be read to be believed.

Ahmad Sufian and Rasol also contributed stories, including preparing ships to carry large quantities of palm oil and rubber latex, being arrested, and witnessing a ship split in two.

It is these insights and experiences that make SOS difficult to put down. While predominantly about people, the book also offers technical insights into maritime life.

“The book has brought back many memories for all of us, and I’m delighted to announce that we are already planning a sequel,” said Ahmad Sufian.

“Hopefully, we can complete the sequel much more quickly than the first book.”

Twentytwo13 is sharing excerpts from Stories of the Seas, and copies can be orderedhere.