KUCHING, Oct 19 – Following a tragic accident during a regatta training session on the Sarawak River, Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata has strongly urged all paddlers to wear life jackets during training, citing the vital role such safety equipment plays in preventing fatalities in water-related activities. The accident, which claimed five lives and left a community in shock, has highlighted the urgent need for stricter safety measures.
The incident occurred on Oct 18, when a boat carrying 15 paddlers overturned and capsized after being hit by waves generated by a passing fishing boat. While 11 paddlers were able to swim to safety, five members of the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) team from the Premier’s Department remain missing, despite ongoing search and rescue operations.
Call for Life Jackets as a Mandatory Safety Measure
In response to this tragedy, Dato Mancha stressed the importance of wearing life jackets, even during training, as a critical step to enhance the safety of paddlers. He acknowledged that many paddlers tend to forgo life jackets during practice sessions, but urged them to reconsider in light of recent events.
“I advise participants to wear life jackets, even during training. In case of an incident, life jackets can increase their chances of survival by keeping them afloat,” Mancha said during a press conference held at the search and rescue (SAR) operation base at the Royal Bay Commercial Centre, Jalan Buruh Bintawa.
He emphasised that paddlers often train for hours under intense heat, leading to exhaustion. This physical strain, coupled with the sudden onset of an unexpected accident, could easily result in panic. “A life jacket could make all the difference,” he added.
Boats Urged to Slow Down and Exercise Caution
In addition to his call for paddlers to adopt stricter safety practices, Dato Mancha also urged all boats and vessels operating along the Sarawak River to slow down and exercise caution when passing near training boats. The police chief noted that while the riverway remains open to public vessels, he hopes that boat operators will be mindful of the smaller boats involved in training sessions.
“The riverway isn’t closed at the moment, but I hope other vessels will slow down. Be mindful of smaller boats to prevent similar accidents,” Mancha said. He pointed out that speeding boats create large waves, which can easily capsize smaller vessels like the ones used in regatta training.
Importance of Monitoring Boats and Immediate Rescue Efforts
Dato Mancha further emphasised the need for monitoring boats to accompany training sessions. Event organisers typically arrange for these boats to follow paddlers as they train, allowing for immediate rescue efforts in the event of an accident. He called for this practice to be made mandatory, as it provides an added layer of security for participants.
“This allows rescue efforts to begin immediately in case of an accident,” Mancha explained, underscoring the importance of quick response times in water-based emergencies.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts
As of today, search efforts for the five missing paddlers have been ongoing since 6am, with 12 agencies and 127 personnel involved in the operation. Assets such as drones, advanced sonar imaging technology, and boats are being utilised to comb a 10-kilometre stretch of the river, extending from the accident site to the barrage.
Divers from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak have conducted six dives in search of the missing paddlers, but no positive signs have been found so far. Search efforts will continue, with hopes of finding the missing individuals alive.
The accident has sent shockwaves throughout the local community, particularly as the regatta is a beloved tradition in Sarawak. The annual event, which draws participants and spectators from across the state and beyond, now faces heightened concerns over the safety of those involved.
Moving Forward: A New Focus on Safety
In light of this incident, there is growing pressure on regatta organisers and participants to prioritise safety measures. Dato Mancha’s recommendations regarding life jackets and cautionary practices on the river are likely to become central to discussions on how future events can proceed safely.
As rescue teams continue their search, the focus now turns to ensuring that such accidents do not happen again, and that the regatta—an iconic celebration of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage—remains an event that can be enjoyed safely by all.