Alsma Jithil’s Body Discovered 100 Meters from Capsize Site
KUCHING, Aug 22 – The tragic boat capsizing incident that occurred in Sungai Batang Kayan near Kampung Selampit, Lundu, has come to a heartbreaking conclusion today. The body of Alsma Jithil, the last missing student, was found early this morning, bringing an end to a harrowing search and rescue operation that gripped the local community.
In a statement released by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the 17-year-old student’s body was discovered floating upstream, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigate the waters of Sarawak’s rural areas daily.
The Discovery of Alsma Jithil
Alsma’s body was found at approximately 6:38 a.m., just 100 meters from the site where the boat capsized. The discovery was made by villagers who had been tirelessly assisting the authorities in the search efforts.
“The body was found at 6:38 a.m. by the villagers, floating 100 meters from the incident site,” the statement from Bomba read. It was then retrieved by the Sarawak Coast Guard, who have been on high alert since the incident occurred on August 20.
The discovery of Alsma’s body marks the final chapter in the search for the missing students from SMK Senibong, who tragically lost their lives in the early morning accident.
Recounting the Tragedy: Three Lives Lost
On August 20, a boat carrying approximately 20 passengers, including 16 students, four adults, and a motorcycle, capsized while crossing the Sungai Batang Kayan. The incident occurred around 6:10 a.m. as the boat was making its way from Kampung Selampit.
The river, known for its unpredictable currents, proved treacherous that morning. The boat capsized, throwing its passengers into the cold, swift waters. In the chaos that ensued, three students were reported missing, sparking an immediate and extensive search and rescue operation.
The first body to be recovered was that of 15-year-old Vilkie Wilson. His body was found floating a mere 10 meters from the search and rescue (SAR) operation control post by villagers on the morning of August 21. The close proximity of his body to the SAR post served as a chilling reminder of how close the rescue teams were to their goal, yet how elusive the river can be.
Later that same day, the body of the second missing victim, 16-year-old Helena Fasha Petrus, was found floating approximately one kilometer downstream from the capsize site. The discovery of her body deepened the sorrow felt by the community and heightened the urgency to find the remaining missing student, Alsma Jithil.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of these young lives has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Kampung Selampit and beyond. The three students were beloved members of their school and village, and their sudden and tragic deaths have left a void that will not easily be filled.
Local leaders and school officials have expressed their condolences to the grieving families. The Sarawak government has also pledged to provide assistance to the affected families during this difficult time.
The tragedy has reignited discussions about the safety of river crossings in rural Sarawak. Many communities in the region rely on boats as a primary means of transportation, and the incident has underscored the need for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Moving Forward: Calls for Improved River Safety
As the community mourns the loss of Alsma, Vilkie, and Helena, there is a growing call for action to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Local leaders are urging the state government to invest in safer transportation options and to conduct regular safety drills and checks for boat operators.
There is also a push for better infrastructure in rural areas, including the construction of bridges and the provision of life jackets on boats. The tragedy has highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities and the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Conclusion
The Sg Kayan boat tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those living in Sarawak’s rural areas. The loss of three young lives has left a deep scar on the community, but it has also sparked a renewed commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.
As the families of Alsma Jithil, Vilkie Wilson, and Helena Fasha Petrus lay their loved ones to rest, the thoughts and prayers of the entire Sarawak community are with them. The focus now shifts to healing and to preventing future tragedies on Sarawak’s rivers.