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MUKAH (March 26): A 30-year-old electrician is missing and feared drowned after his boat struck a floating log and capsized in Bungan Kecil, Batang Igan, Dalat, earlier today.
Mukah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Nicholas Belulin confirmed the incident, stating that a search-and-rescue (SAR) operation is currently underway.
Boat Capsized After Collision with Floating Log
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According to initial reports, the victim, identified as Saffuan Zaffarin from Kampung Tutus Hilir, Mukah, was traveling alone when his boat hit a floating log at around 2pm. The sudden impact caused him to lose balance and fall into the river.
Nearby villagers later found his boat, but there was no sign of him in the water.
Emergency Response and SAR Operation
Mukah Bomba received an emergency call at 2.30pm, and a rescue team, led by PBK II Awg Rozlan Awg Mahmuddin, was immediately deployed. The team had to travel 57km by road to Kampung Sungai Kut in Dalat before continuing by boat for another hour to reach the scene of the accident.
“Our team is working tirelessly to locate him, and we urge river users to remain vigilant, especially during high water levels and strong currents,” said Nicholas Belulin in a statement.
Safety Concerns for River Users
Authorities are reminding river users to stay cautious when navigating local waterways, particularly during rainy seasons when floating debris poses a significant risk.
As the SAR operation continues, family members and locals are anxiously waiting for updates, hoping for a positive outcome.