BELAWAI – The body of a missing boater was discovered on 3 November following a search and rescue (SAR) operation near the estuary of Kampung Kedang Paloh, after a boat carrying three people capsized in strong currents.
The victim was found at approximately 1pm on the second day of the search, at a location estimated to be between five and eight kilometres from the Incident Command Post (ICP).
The operation involved the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), through its Sarawak Coastguard team based at the UKPS Tanjung Manis headquarters, which was deployed to assist other agencies in locating the missing individual.
According to UKPS, the incident came to light after Belawai Police Station received a public report about a boat travelling from Sarikei towards Paloh that had capsized near the estuary of Kampung Kedang Paloh.
There were three people aboard the vessel when it overturned due to strong currents. Two of the passengers were rescued by local villagers, while the third remained missing as of 5pm on 1 November.
Following the report, the Sarawak Coastguard team was mobilised to support the coordinated search effort alongside partner agencies. Its personnel conducted searches across designated waters in an effort to locate the missing passenger.
The search continued into 3 November, when the missing person’s body was eventually located at about 1pm. The discovery brought the search for the third passenger to an end.
After the recovery, the body was handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). Police personnel were responsible for transporting it to Sibu Hospital for further action.
UKPS expressed its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, acknowledging the loss during what it described as a difficult time for those affected.
The incident highlights the dangers posed by strong currents to boat users, particularly when travelling through coastal and river-mouth waters. The authorities involved in the operation worked together to search the designated area after two of the passengers had been rescued by members of the local community.
UKPS also conveyed its sympathies to the bereaved family following the recovery of the victim. — Sarawak Daily
