SRI AMAN — An elderly man was reported missing after the boat he was travelling in with his son-in-law capsized in a river near the Bayai Water Treatment Plant here this morning.
In the 10.10 am incident, the victim, identified as Banggau Anak Ngilas, 71, was swept away by the strong current, while his son-in-law, Roys Anak Misen, 36, managed to swim to safety.
According to a statement from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre (PGO), both men were on their way home from an oil palm plantation when the accident occurred. The small wooden boat they were using was heavily loaded with harvested palm fruit.
The boat is believed to have hit a floating log in the middle of the river before overturning. Roys managed to swim to the riverbank, but Banggau was pulled away by the current and has yet to be found.
A team from the Sri Aman Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), led by PPgB Andrew Vengitasamy and three members, was dispatched to the location after receiving a distress call from the Sri Aman District Police Headquarters (IPD).
The search and rescue (SAR) team, assisted by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APM), and local villagers, carried out a search operation covering three kilometers upstream with three rescue boats. A land search was also conducted within a three-kilometer radius along the riverbank.
Despite the extensive efforts, the victim has not yet been located. Authorities confirmed that the operation was halted at 6 pm due to fading light and safety concerns.
“The search will resume tomorrow (Monday, Sept 15) at first light,” said JBPM in the statement.
The tragedy has left the family and local community deeply shaken, as hopes remain for Banggau to be found soon.
