A 28-year-old man drowned after his boat hit driftwood on Sungai Batang Oya, with his body found 800 metres from shore following a search operation
MUKAH: A 28-year-old man was found drowned this morning after reportedly falling from his boat near the mouth of Sungai Batang Oya yesterday.
His body was discovered by a member of the public around 8.50 am, approximately 800 metres from the shore.
The victim has been identified as Awang Ismail Awang Rosidi. According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, his body was taken to Mukah Hospital for a post-mortem.
A search and rescue operation involving firefighters, police, civil defence personnel and villagers was concluded at 9.40 am.
Dalat police chief DSP Saga Chunggat said the victim’s family reported him missing at 9.08 am yesterday. “He is believed to have fallen into the river when the boat collided with floating driftwood,” he said.
Saga advised the public to always be cautious during river activities, particularly during poor weather and strong currents. He also reminded them to wear life jackets when using water transport.
