LUNDU: It was meant to be a normal day for Wilson Nyaggin as he sent his 15-year-old son, Vilkie Wilson, one of three victims of the recent boat tragedy in Sungai Batang Kayan on Tuesday to his school, SMK Senibong.
The father remembered the incident when the boat arrived at 6.10 am, which is the first trip of the day to pick up those who drive their children to school.
“After I get my car from the garage across the river, then I waited for my son to send him to school
“The second trip is at 6.15 am, and I waited for him to send him to school.
“While I waited inside my car, all of the sudden I heard people screaming for help,” he said.
He said the people at the jetty area were screaming for help, saying “help, the boat is sinking!!!”
“From that moment, I immediately got out from my car, took off my clothes, and jump into the river in the hopes to save them from getting drowned.
“While I tried to save the others who were inside the boat, I realised my son is missing. And I, myself, was almost drowned because my legs got cramped, so I went back to the jetty area, looking for a boat.
“The neighbour offered me their boat, but I was too exhausted to get on so I did not join my neighbour on the boat. By then, it was already too late,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the burial of his son at Kampung Selampit Cemetery here on Friday.
Wilson described his son as someone who is quiet yet an obedient kid.
“He never talked much yet he never disobeyed me and his mum,” he added.
Knowing that Vilkie did not excel in his studies, Wilson taught him various life skills to help him succeed in the future.
“Because I am a farmer, and also doing part-time job fishing, he always followed me wherever I go.
“After school, I asked him every time if he wanted to follow me and he always said yes.
“Whatever life skills that I got, I tried to teach him. But at the end of the day, life has other plans,” he added.
The night before the incident, Wilson revealed he was quiet the whole time.
“When his mum asked him anything, he did not answer, and same goes to his siblings. I did ask him something before he got on the boat.
“He told me he wanted to join me to see the fish trap. He planned to buy outfit and equipment to play badminton. But he did not tell me, he told his mum.
“So every time he follows me to see the fish trap, I will give him RM100, just to uplift his spirit,” he said.
Wilson then mentioned that the reason Vilkie wanted to play badminton was that he wanted to get fit.
“I always ask him to lose some weight because I want him to stay healthy. And he followed my advice.
“That is why he aimed to buy the outfit and the equipment as well,” he added.
He advised all the parents out there to always care for their children, including their wellbeing and their safety.
“Do not neglect them wherever they are, or else it will happen just like him. And we will regret it till the end of our lives,” he added.
