MIRI (Jan 16) – The body of a 15-year-old boy, who had gone missing after being swept away while swimming with friends at Batu Satu Beach in Kuala Baram on Monday, was discovered washed ashore early this morning.
According to a statement from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the body of Mohamad Iqbal Khairul Hisyam was found by a labourer near a construction site located approximately four kilometers from where he was last seen.
A family member positively identified the body, and it was confirmed that Mohamad Iqbal had passed away by medical personnel at the scene. The body was subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.
A multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched shortly after the incident was reported on Monday. Bomba, along with the police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit, and the Civil Defence Force, all worked together in the search efforts.
Lutong Fire Station Chief, Henry Jugah, shared that the team was alerted to the incident at 6:40 PM and quickly rushed to the scene at Batu Satu Beach. Eyewitnesses had stated that the group of four teenage boys had been swimming when Mohamad Iqbal was swept away by strong waves. Fortunately, the other three teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, managed to swim back to safety.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by strong currents, and authorities are urging beachgoers to exercise caution when swimming in such areas.
