KAPIT: The body of an elderly man reported missing in a fibre boat capsizing along Batang Rajang, has been found on Thursday.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said that the remains of 57-year-old Bubut Benang was discovered at 3.30 pm in Nanga Makoh area.
The body was retrieved and taken to Kubu Wharf to be handed over to the police for further action.
Following the discovery, the search and rescue (SAR) operation ended at 4.50 pm.
The incident occurred last Tuesday when Bubut, his wife, and a worker were travelling to Kapit town from Nanga Benin Rumah Belaja at around 5 pm. Their boat capsized after hitting 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.
While Bubut’s wife and the worker survived the tragedy with the help of nearby local folk, Bubut was feared drowned.
Firefighters from Kapit station were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 9.17 pm. The distance between the station and the scene is about 30km by a 90-minute riverine transport.
