LUBOK ANTU: A search and rescue (SAR) operation is in full swing in Lubok Subong for a 20-year-old man who was swept away by a powerful river current while attempting to cross the river yesterday (Aug 30).
According to reports from the Betong Fire and Rescue station, the victim, identified as Mohd Fandi Wong, was unable to swim and was carried off by the sudden surge after he and his group had finished bathing and tried to make their way across the river.
By 3.15pm, the SAR team, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APM) and local villagers, began a surface search operation using two boats and a jetski to cover approximately 1 kilometre downstream from the last known location of the victim.
“Meanwhile, divers from the Fire and Rescue Department’s Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) assessed the river’s depth at the suspected drowning site.
“Unfortunately, due to the strong currents and murky water, it was deemed too dangerous to conduct diving operations. The depth of the river at the suspected location of the drowning is estimated to be around 3 metres, with villagers warning of submerged logs in the area,” it said in a report.
By 5.30pm, the efforts were suspended and was scheduled to resume today at 7am.
