KUCHING: A routine fishing trip turned tragic for a 30-year-old bachelor, Robert Miju, last Sunday night after he was pulled under by strong river current.
The scene of the tragedy was at Rumah Melina, Sungai Apoing Lebaan, Jalan Bawang Assan.
Robert was fishing with his uncle at about 4pm that day, a routine for them as they made the trip made almost every Sunday.
According to his uncle, a few hours after they cast their fishing net, they decided to collect the fish and then go home.
He said after securing his sampan they both jumped into the river to get to the fishing net. Both of them could swim very well.
Shortly after that he heard Robert calling for him. He was struggling against being sucked into a nearby concrete culvert.
His uncle said he tried to help but he too was almost pulled into the tunnel by the strong current. He managed to swim to safety and get help.
Some longhouse people, policemen and firemen soon arrived to search for Robert whose body was subsequently found floating near the riverbanks at 7.45pm.
An ambulance then came and Robert was confirmed dead by the attending medics.
The family members then requested to take his body home for burial.
