KAPIT (Nov 21) – The body of Tuai Rumah Bubut Benang, who went missing after a tragic boat accident on Tuesday evening, was found yesterday afternoon, bringing an emotional end to the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation.
Kapit Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) officer Timoty Barat confirmed that the SAR team discovered the body around 3.30pm, approximately 500 meters downriver from the accident site. The fibreglass speedboat, carrying Bubut, his wife, and a worker, had struck a rock in the middle of the river and sank.
The body was immediately transported to the Kapit jetty, where grief-stricken family members and longhouse residents had gathered. Sobs and cries filled the air as Bubut’s body was handed over to the police for further procedures. It was later taken to the Kapit Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.
The SAR operation, launched shortly after the accident, officially concluded at 4.45pm following the discovery of Bubut’s remains.
The mishap occurred at approximately 5pm on Tuesday. Bubut, a contractor, was returning from inspecting the construction of a bridge at Rumah Belaja, located about 30km from Kapit town. His wife, in a police report, stated that after the boat struck a submerged rock, it quickly sank. Both she and the worker managed to swim to safety, but Bubut disappeared beneath the water.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many mourning the loss of their beloved leader. Bubut was known for his dedication to his longhouse residents and his commitment to improving infrastructure in the area.