LINGGA: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a man who went missing after a boat capsized in Sungai Banting came to a sad end when his body was found by villagers on Wednesday evening.
The victim, identified as Gerald Lansam, 42, was discovered at about 4.10pm, approximately 300 metres from the Fire Control Post (PKB) established near the operation area. The discovery brought relief to family members and rescuers who had been searching tirelessly since the incident occurred.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre (PGO), the victim had been reported missing after a boat carrying nine people capsized in Sungai Banting, Lingga, on Tuesday.
The second day of the SAR operation began as early as 7.00am with a team from the Sri Aman Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) led by Operations Commander PBK I Mohd Fadhli Buyong. The rescue personnel travelled to the location and arrived at about 8.30am before setting up the search area.
Search efforts initially focused on the area where the victim was last seen, covering a radius of one kilometre. As the operation progressed, the search area was expanded downstream up to five kilometres from the PKB.
The operation involved multiple agencies working together, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the JBPM K9 Unit and local villagers. Community support played an important role in the search efforts, with 25 villagers assisting using seven boats throughout the operation.
During the afternoon, rescue teams continued searching downstream with the help of K9 sniffer dogs. Not long after, villagers successfully located Gerald’s body in the river.
Following the discovery, the victim’s remains were handed over to the police for further procedures. The Head of the Lingga Police Station later ordered the operation to be officially concluded at 4.30pm.
Earlier reports stated that the boat carrying nine individuals suffered engine failure before it struck a bridge pillar. The impact, combined with the strong river current, caused the boat to capsize.
Eight passengers were rescued by villagers who quickly responded using their boats. Gerald was reportedly seen holding onto a bridge pillar after the accident but was later swept away by the strong current and disappeared beneath the water.
The incident has highlighted the dangers faced by river users, especially during strong water conditions. It also demonstrated the importance of cooperation between emergency responders and local communities during rescue operations. While the operation ended in tragedy, the dedication shown by rescuers and villagers ensured that the victim was eventually found and returned to his family for final rites.
