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LIMBANG, Feb 17 – The search for a 16-year-old boy who went missing while setting up fish nets in Limbang river ended in tragedy when his body was found last night (Feb 16).
According to a statement from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the search and rescue (SAR) operation resumed on its second day at 7.30am near Rumah Thaddeus at Kampung Pulau Brunei, Limbang.
“At 9.20pm, the teenager’s body was discovered by members of the public who were assisting in the search at Sungai Medamit, close to where the first victim, his uncle, was found earlier,” stated Bomba.
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Firefighters from the Limbang Bomba station were deployed as soon as the department received an emergency call regarding the incident. The police have since taken custody of the body for further investigation.
A Family Outing Turns Tragic
The incident unfolded when 62-year-old Atin Isik and his nephew, Joence Jordisone Jamit, ventured out to set up fish traps at around 1pm on Feb 15. When they failed to return home the next day (Feb 16), a search was launched.
At 11.24am, rescuers found Atin’s lifeless body on the riverbank near Kampung Pulau Brunei. However, Joence was still missing, prompting an extensive SAR operation.
Rescue Efforts and Final Discovery
The SAR team combed through a 2-kilometre radius, covering both land and water areas. Despite their efforts, by 5.30pm, the team had to pause to receive an operations briefing. As daylight faded, the search was temporarily called off at 6pm.
It was later in the night that local villagers discovered Joence’s body at Sungai Medamit, bringing a heartbreaking end to the operation.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging in river activities, especially during unpredictable weather conditions.