KAPIT: A teenage girl is feared to have drowned after a boat carrying 14 passengers capsized in the Mujong River near Mujong Bridge on Tuesday (May 30).
According to a spokesperson from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the missing victim has been identified as 17-year-old Linsa Empih Melin from Rh Geramong Nanga Sipoh, Mujong Tengah.
After receiving a distress call around 2.40pm regarding the incident, firefighters from the Kapit station were deployed to the scene.
Reports indicated that Linsa and her family were aboard the boat, traveling from Kapit town to Rh Geramong Nanga Sipoh, Mujong Tengah, before the tragic event occurred.
The boat capsized due to strong currents and being overloaded. Six men, three women and five children managed to swim to safety and reach the shore. Unfortunately, Linsa was reported missing.
Due to congested road conditions and unfavourable weather in Kapit, the rescue team was unable to bring their boats to the scene.
After discussions with the police and the victim’s family, the search and rescue (SAR) operation will commence on Wednesday (May 31).
This incident adds to the sombre atmosphere ahead of the Gawai celebration, following the earlier tragedy of a fire at a 15-door longhouse in Pakan, Sarikei on the same day.
