Four men missing after longboat capsizes in turbulent river at Kapit

FOUR MEN have gone missing after a longboat capsized amid swift waters in a river within the deep interior of Kapit division in central Sarawak, while another man was rescued by villagers.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has launched a search and rescue operation around the site of the incident at Sungai Baleh, a tributary of the mighty Sungai Rajang.

The incident happened close to SK Lepong Baleh school at about 6pm yesterday, the department said in a press statement.

The victims are believed to be workers of a company.

Villagers who witnessed the tragedy from along the river banks recounted that the boat overturned after it was hit by a strong current while crossing the river.

A few villagers leapt into the river and managed to save the boat driver who was later identified as Moses Ngui.

The four others were swept away by the strong waves and have yet to be found.

They have been identified as Iskandar Ibrahim, Jonathan Lambet, Amerson John and Jack Balan.

Bomba search and rescue teams from the Kapit Fire Station are still scouring the river and its vicinity at present. – The Vibes, March 8, 2024