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BAU, April 18 – A fun swim turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when the body of a 13-year-old boy, who went missing earlier today in Sungai Libiki, was discovered by villagers late in the afternoon.
The victim has been identified as Randle Rich Dunstan. He had been enjoying a swim with two of his friends at around 11.45am when he suddenly disappeared underwater.
According to a statement from Bomba Sarawak, they received a distress call at 1.44pm and immediately dispatched a team from the Bau Fire and Rescue Station to the location.
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Upon arrival, the operations commander spoke with the witnesses and quickly assessed the area where Randle was last seen. At 2pm, the Pasukan Penyelamat Di Air (PPDA) or Water Rescue Team was mobilised to join the operation.
By 2.10pm, a surface search began, focusing on a 20-metre radius using full personal protective equipment (PPE). The rescuers combed the river tirelessly, while villagers also joined in the search.
At around 4.20pm, the villagers made a grim discovery — Randle’s lifeless body was found submerged at the bottom of the river, approximately 10 metres from where he was last seen.
A medical team from the Ministry of Health confirmed his death at the scene. The boy’s body was handed over to the police for further investigation.
The search and rescue operation officially concluded at 5.05pm.
This incident serves as a painful reminder for all, especially during school holidays, to remain cautious near rivers and water bodies, and for guardians to closely monitor children’s outdoor activities.