KAPIT: The bodies of an elderly man and a young lad who were reported missing after their boat capsized at Pelagus Rapids last Friday, were found floating along the Rajang River today.
Kapit district police chief DSP Freddy Bian confirmed that the first victim identified as Ngalang Demong, 72, was found around 5.30am by the locals.
“The locals discovered the floating body near Rumah Bujah, about 2km downstream from the scene.
“Meanwhile, the second victim identified as Richelles Seli Lasu, 22, was found in the afternoon around 3.30pm. The body was discovered at about 1km from the scene,” he said.
He stated that both bodies were retrieved and taken to Kapit Hospital for post-mortem.
The search and rescue (SAR) operation carried out by 10 personnel comprising Kapit firemen and Civil Defence Force (APM), has been called off after both victims were found.
Freddy said the two were reported missing by the complainant, who is the grandson and nephew of the victims. This was after their boat capsized during a fishing trip.
The incident happened around 4.30pm when all three (including complainant) were travelling from Nanga Pelagus to Pelagus Rapids for the fishing trip.
“Before crossing one of the rapids in the area, the 26-year-old complainant was asked to get off the boat. He walked along the footpath on the riverbank while his grandfather and uncle travelled by boat.
“While passing the rapids, the complainant saw that the boat carrying the victims was capsizing and both of them disappeared in the strong current,” he said.
An initial search party was carried out by the locals but to no avail.
