SARATOK — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the boat sinking incident at Kaba Ferry, Sungai Krian, has come to an end today after the discovery of three more bodies, bringing closure to the tragedy that claimed four lives.
The incident occurred last Friday evening when 10 workers from ZCCC Construction Sdn Bhd were on their way back from Sesang Jetty to Pusa Jetty using a small sampan. Unfortunately, the boat sank in the middle of the river.
Six of the workers managed to swim to safety, while four others were reported missing. The tragedy triggered a large-scale SAR operation involving the Saratok Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Saratok Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Saratok Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), and local villagers.
On the first day of the operation, rescuers recovered the body of Mohd Asfar Sulaiman, 25, a Malaysian citizen. He was found beneath a bridge under construction, located about 300 feet from the site of the incident.
Today, the remaining three victims were successfully located. The first body was found by villagers at 10.10 am, followed by the second at 10.15 am and the third at 10.45 am by the SAR team.
The victims were identified as Indonesian nationals: Gunawan Pawadi, 35, Budianto Yapani, 50, and Karyono, 41. Their remains have been handed over to the police for further action.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s Operations Centre (PGO), the SAR operation began at 9.00 am with a surface search using boats and K9 sniffer dogs. The operation was officially declared closed at 11.10 am after all the victims were found.
This tragedy has drawn sympathy from the local community, with many offering condolences to the affected families. Authorities have reminded the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety when using river transportation, especially in unpredictable water conditions.
