LUNDU: Louis Joph, 53, was consumed by disappointment and guilt despite rescuing 10 students in a boat capsized tragedy in Sungai Kayan, Kampung Selampit this morning (Aug 20).
This marked the second time he had faced such a tragedy.
Recounting the harrowing incident, Louis said he was on his way to take his child to school and his mother to the hospital for dialysis when he heard cries for help.
“At first, I thought of getting a boat, but they were all locked, so the fastest option was to swim. In my heart, I just wanted to save them… if I didn’t go, who would?” he said.
He admitted that wearing jeans made swimming difficult, but he pressed on, praying for guidance.
“I jumped in and swam, finding a child crying and clinging to a plank,” he told reporters.
Fortunately, Louis found an unlocked boat and used it to rescue other victims clinging to the capsized boat’s roof.
However, three victims were swept away by the strong current.
I couldn’t save them because the boat was already full. I cried because I couldn’t save them, and this is the second time I’ve faced a tragedy like this,” he said.
Louis recounted a previous incident where he failed to save a child despite the father’s pleas.
“I didn’t respond because I was searching for the child but couldn’t find them. In my heart, I apologised, knowing I had done my best but couldn’t save the child,” he added.
The incident occurred around 6.10 am, claiming the lives of two female students and one male student: Alsma Jithil, 14, Helena Fasha Petrus, 14, and Vilkie Wilson, 15.
Fifteen students (seven boys and eight girls), one adult woman, and the male boat operator were rescued.
The victims from Kampung Selampit were on their way to SMK Senibong on a boat carrying a motorcycle when the tragedy struck.
