SEBUYAU: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a missing ferry helmsman who dived to release a rope stuck in the ferry’s propeller at Batang Lupar Ferry, Jalan Sebuyau on April 8, continues despite no new leads being found.
The man has been identified as 48-year-old Lin Jarak.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said that the search entered its eighth day today (April 15).
For yesterday’s (April 14) operation, the team covered a 7 km search radius from where the victim went missing, extending both downstream and upstream of Batang Lupar.
However, despite extensive search efforts, Lin remains unaccounted for as of 4.30 pm.
Also involved in the search are the Lingga police and the Civil Defence Force (APM) Betong.
On April 8, at around 2.45 pm, Lin, accompanied by three crewmates, went to the river to free a rope that had become entangled in the propeller of the ferry. The water level at the time was chin-deep.
The victim dived in but failed to resurface due to the rising tide and strong current.
His crewmates searched for the victim but their efforts were in vain. It prompted them to report the incident to the authorities for assistance.
Firefighters from the Saratok station were dispatched to the scene, about 98 km away, after receiving an emergency call at 4.35 pm.
