SARATOK: Following several hours, the search and rescue (SAR) operation for a victim feared to have drowned at sea at Kampung Ulu Masjid, Kabong was officially called off at 3.30pm today.
State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) assistant operations director Tiong Ling Hii said the 25-year-old victim was found safe by father at Kampung Supa Beladin at around 3.10pm.
The operation was activated following a repost of a missing person feared to have drowned at 9.20am.
According to him, the victim’s boat capsized after it was struck by strong waves. However, he managed to swim to safety to shore where he was later found and rescued by his own father and brought back to his village.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Maritime director First Admiral Robert Teh Geok Chuan said the victim identified, as Onn Yasar Mohamad Jawarie, was reported to have set out to sea alone using his uncle’s boat.
The victim’s father revealed that his son suffers from a disorder whereby the victim would often hallucinate and speak to himself.
Following a report received by Bomba, a SAR operation was activated at 10.27am and deployed its assets in search for the missing victim.
The victim was safely found by his own father at the Saribas water, hours later.
The agency urged members of the public report to any emergency at sea by contacting 999 or the State Maritime Operation Centre 24-hour operation line at 082-432544.
