FIVE paddlers practising for the upcoming Sarawak Regatta from November 1 to 3 at the Kuching Waterfront have been reported missing after their longboat capsized at around 4pm today.
Eleven other paddlers managed to swim to safety, according to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department which is leading the search and rescue (SAR) for the five along the stretch of the Sarawak River near to the Royal Bay Commercial Centre in Bintawa.
The missing paddlers have been identified as:
* Mohammad Ikhmal Sama'ail, 34
* Majurie Maharuf, 32
* Mohd Afiq Isyamudin Asaari, 26
* Mohamad Khairul Bidin,26 ,
* Muhammad Khairul Hisham Kasturi, 23.
The river mishap is the second reported in Sarawak today.
In Lawas, three children on their way to school died and another is in critical condition after the car they were in plunged into a river.
Three other children and three adults, including the driver of the Perodua Alza, survived the mishap at Kampung Awat-Awat, in Sundar, Lawas, this afternoon.
The dead children have been identified as:
* Mohamad Nazran Awang Matasan , 10,
* Mohd Fayard Mohd Azmi, 5 and
* Eryna Akifa Imani Zukri, 8.
Mohd Fayard Mohd Azmi was the son of the 38 year-old driver, identified as Muhamad Azmi Bidin.
The trio were reportedly trapped in the submerged vehicle and were only fished out when nearby villagers rushed to the rescue.
Fighting for her life is nine year-old Madieenatul Munawarah Mohd Azmi.
Shem was first rushed to the Lawas hospital but has since been flown to the Miri hospital for critical care.
The children are all students of SK Agama Lawas. - October 18, 2024
