PUNAN BAH: An elderly man is missing and feared drowned after falling from a boat into Sungai Benatu while searching for durians. The incident occurred in Punan Bah, Belaga, early this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department operations center received a report of the incident at 1:10 p.m., though the event took place at 7:30 a.m. The missing individual has been identified as 60-year-old Micheal Sait Lanyau, who was swept away by strong currents in the river.

Eyewitnesses, including local villagers, observed the incident and attempted to locate the victim before filing a police report to initiate further action. In response, four firefighters from the Kapit Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched to the scene to assist in the search efforts.

The operation to locate Micheal Sait Lanyau continues, as concerns grow for his safety due to the river’s strong currents.