Mukah: A 28-year-old man, who had reportedly fallen from his boat near the mouth of Sungai Batang Oya yesterday, was found drowned this morning. He was discovered by a member of the public around 8.50 am, approximately 800 metres from the shore.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victim has been identified as Awang Ismail Awang Rosidi, and his body was taken to Mukah Hospital for a post-mortem. A statement from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department's Operations Centre confirmed the recovery. The search and rescue operation, conducted by firefighters, police, civil defence personnel, and villagers, was concluded at 9.40 am.
Meanwhile, in a statement today, 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.