Sign up for a free trial of News Direct's animated news graphics at http://newsdirect.nma.com.tw/Reuters.aspx A Malaysian flying instructor and two trainees survived after crashing into the Straits of Malacca in a Piper PA-28 on Tuesday during a night training exercise. Capt Sharon Yee, 27, was piloting the light aircraft with second year trainees Soh Shien Shoong, 22, and Foeroz Kamil, 23. Faeroz was Yee's co-pilot while Soh was sitting in the back row, according to the New Straits Times. The aircraft possibly experienced technical problems before crashing into the strait. Yee and Soh were able to crawl out of the aircraft and swim to nearby Masjid Selat to seek help. Faeroz was not able to swim with them, but was able to stay afloat in the water and wait for help. According to State Deputy Police Chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk Shah Ghazi Shahadad, when Yee and Soh reached Masjid Selat, the congregation alerted rescue personnel. Shahadad added a distress call was received at around 8:41 p.m. and the Fire and Rescue Department arrived at about 8:54 p.m. Fifteen divers were deployed in a boat to find Faeroz, who indicated his location using a torchlight. The rescue team found him roughly 400 meters off the shores of Bandar Hilir at around 9:30 p.m. All aboard the aircraft survived, but Yee suffered a deep gash above her right eyebrow and Soh suffered minor cuts to the back of his body. Faeroz did not suffer any injuries, but was exhausted from keeping himself afloat. Officials say the aircraft was last seen on radar at around 8:15 p.m.

• published: 24 Aug 2013
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