KUCHING: Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata urges boats navigating the Sarawak River to reduce their speed, to prevent a repeat of Friday’s boat capsize incident.
Mancha also advised all participants undergoing training for the upcoming regatta to wear life jackets to prevent similar incidents from happening.
“This is especially important when training in hot weather, as the risk of cramping or panic may hinder self-rescue efforts,” he said during a press conference at the Bintawa search and rescue site.
The search and rescue (SaR) operation for five victims who went missing during their regatta training entered its second day today (Saturday), but so far, there has been no sign of the victims.
According to Mancha, the operation involves two main groups. One team is tasked with searching at the incident site, while the second team has been deployed to the river estuary, where there is a possibility that the victims may have been swept away by the river’s current.
So far, the operation involves 12 rescue agencies with a manpower strength of 137 personnel. Drones and divers from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) are also being deployed in the search efforts.
“Six dives have been conducted since this morning, but no victims have been found.
“We will continue the search until all the victims are found. We also pray that the families of the victims remain strong during this difficult time,” he added.
One of the main challenges faced by the rescue teams is the limited visibility underwater. The weather so far has been cloudy and stable, offering hope that the operation can proceed without disruption.
The logistics of this operation have been reinforced with 18 rescue boats and several drones patrolling the waters. The SAR team remains committed to continuing the search until all the victims are found.
