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MUKAH – The body of a man who was feared to have drowned after falling into the river in Bungan Kecil was discovered last night, bringing a tragic end to the search and rescue (SAR) operation.
Mukah Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Assistant Fire Chief Nicholas Belulin, confirmed that the victim, Saffuan Zaffari, 30, was found by villagers around 7.30pm, approximately one kilometre from the scene of the incident. Saffuan, an employee of an electrical wiring company, had been missing since Wednesday afternoon after his boat reportedly struck driftwood and capsized in the waters of Bungan Kecil, Batang Igan, Dalat.
Incident Timeline
At around 2pm on Wednesday, Saffuan was on a boat when it is believed to have collided with driftwood. The impact likely threw him into the river, where he disappeared beneath the waters. A distress call was made at 2.30pm, prompting the Mukah Fire and Rescue Department to dispatch a team to the scene.
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For hours, rescue personnel, assisted by local villagers, scoured the river in search of the victim. Despite their tireless efforts, it was not until 7.30pm on Thursday that Saffuan’s body was found.
Authorities Conclude Search Operation
Following the discovery, his body was handed over to the police and later sent to Mukah Hospital for further examination. The SAR operation was officially concluded at 8pm.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by submerged debris in rivers, especially during unpredictable weather conditions. Locals and boat users are urged to exercise extra caution when navigating these waters.
May the victim rest in peace, and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.