Besut district police chief Supt Mohd Rozak Muhammad said the skipper Tuan Azaha Tengku Long, 47; his son Tuan Arizal, 19; Mohd Azri Mohd Rosdi, 28; and another fisherman known only as Ujang, 40, all from Kelantan, were found near a resort on Pulau Perhentian Besar at about 8.45am.

“They were wearing life jackets and were found by villagers who took them to the Pulau Perhentian Health Clinic for treatment.

“Their condition was stable but they could not talk, and are probably still in shock over the incident. They will be taken to the mainland when the situation permits,” he said.

He said the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and police were intensifying their search for the fifth fisherman, Saari Saleh, 40, from Terengganu, who is still missing.

Their boat capsized at about 1pm after being hit by strong waves during heavy rain.