JULAU: The last victim of the Meluan River tragedy was recovered by villagers last night (Oct 1).
The body of Ferdinand Raymond Jiram, 16, was discovered by the locals who made a dive in the river around 8.30 pm.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the victim’s body was found about 50 metres from where he allegedly drowned.
The body was then handed over to the police to be taken to the hospital.
Following the discovery, the search operation concluded at 11.58 pm.
The first victim 15-year-old Abdul Rezan Abdul Jalil was found by rescuers at 5.47 pm, about 20 metres from where he allegedly drowned.
Earlier, Ferdinand’s father who witnessed the incident, said the two teenagers were bathing and swimming prior to the incident at around 3 pm.
It was reported that Abdul Rezan tried to cross the river but was swept away by the strong river current.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand tried to save Abdul Rezan’s friend but failed as the latter was also swept away by the current.
Firemen from Bintangor station were promptly deployed to the scene after being alerted to the incident by Julau police.
