A Devastating Morning on Sungai Batang Kayan
LUNDU, Aug 20: The serene waters of Sungai Batang Kayan turned into a scene of tragedy this morning as a wooden boat carrying 20 passengers, including 16 students, capsized. The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:15 AM, has left the local community in shock and grief.
Initial Investigation Points to Overloading
Lundu district police chief, DSP Damataries Lautin, shared the preliminary findings that suggest overloading may have been the primary cause of the tragedy. The wooden boat, which was ferrying the passengers and a motorcycle, began to capsize as it reached the middle of the river. The combination of the passengers and the additional weight of the motorcycle is believed to have led to the boat’s instability.
“Of the 16 students onboard, 12 managed to swim to safety, while the others were rescued by nearby villagers,” DSP Damataries Lautin explained. However, three students are still missing, and the search continues.
The Missing Students
The three missing students have been identified as:
- Alsma Jithil, 14 years old
- Vikie Wilson, 15 years old
- Helena Fasha Petrus, 16 years old
All three are students at SMK Senibong. The community, along with search and rescue teams, is holding onto hope for their safe return, as the search operations continue.
Minister’s Call for Further Investigation
Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, visited the site at Kampung Selampit’s village jetty to assess the situation firsthand. In his statement to the media, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident.
“It is understood that apart from the passengers, the boat was also carrying a motorcycle. I have directed a detailed investigation to ensure that such tragedies do not recur in the future,” Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin remarked.
Search and Rescue Efforts Continue
Senior Bomba officer, Khairul Md Nor, confirmed that a total of 20 people were onboard, including 16 students and four adults, along with the motorcycle.
“Thirteen students were rescued, but unfortunately, the remaining three are still missing,” he said. He added that the search and rescue operation, led by Operations Commander Joseph Diea, had to be postponed for the day due to unfavorable conditions but would resume early tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM.
Community Reeling from the Tragedy
The small town of Lundu is known for its tight-knit community, where news travels fast, and everyone knows each other. This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, as families and friends anxiously await updates on the search efforts.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety protocols for river crossings, especially during peak times when many students rely on boats to get to school. With the ongoing investigation, questions are being raised about the oversight of passenger limits and whether the boat operators adhered to safety guidelines.
A Tragic Reminder of Water Safety
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations, especially when it comes to river transportation. The people of Sarawak are all too familiar with the dangers that come with crossing rivers, and this incident has reignited conversations about the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols.
As the community mourns and prays for the safe return of the missing students, authorities continue to stress the importance of safety in preventing such devastating accidents in the future.
Focus on Prevention and Future Safety
The ongoing investigation by the police and the Sarawak Transport Ministry will play a crucial role in uncovering the exact cause of the tragedy. It is hoped that the findings will lead to improved safety measures that will protect the lives of those who depend on river transportation in Sarawak.
For now, the community’s focus remains on supporting the affected families and assisting in the search efforts for the missing students. The tragic events of this morning will leave a lasting impact on Lundu, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety.