KUALA LUMPUR: The murky river conditions and strong current are hindering the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) efforts for the missing Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UPKS) staff members feared to have drowned, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“I do not have the latest update yet, but the disaster committee is still conducting the search.
“We will see what happens in the next few hours. Hopefully, they will be found soon,” he told reporters after a town hall session in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2024 here yesterday (Oct 19).
On Oct 18, a boat carrying 15 participants capsized during a regatta training session at Royal Bay Commercial Centre, Jalan Buruh Bintawa, Kuching.
At the time of writing, five individuals remain missing.
They are Mohamad Ikhmal Sama’ail, Majurie Maharuf, Mohd Afiq Isyamudin Asaari, Mohamad Khairul Bidin and Muhammad Khairul Hisyam Kasturi, all of them aged 22 to 35.
The accident occurred at around 4.20 pm when the boat overturned during the training session.
Eleven people managed to swim to safety, while five are still unaccounted for.
