KAPIT: An elderly man is feared to have drowned while two others survived after their fibre boat capsized near Nanga Makoh, Batang Rajang on Tuesday.
The victim, identified as 57-year-old Bubut Benang, was travelling with his wife and a worker, on their way to Kapit town from Nanga Benin Rumah Belaja around 5pm when the tragedy happened.
Based on preliminary information, their fibre boat capsized after crashing into rocks in the middle of the river. The area, located downstream of the Pelagus rapids, is notorious for its rocky river course and strong currents, making it dangerous to pass through, especially at night.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said that two victims managed to survive the tragedy with the help of nearby local folks, but Bubut has yet to be found.
Firefighters from Kapit station were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 9.17pm. The distance between the station and the scene is about 30km by a 90-minute riverine transport.
The team launched a search and rescue (SAR) operation yesterday morning, covering a 2km search radius and using water surface searching method.
Bubut is yet to be found at press time.
