The SAR team have retrieved the body of 15-year-old Vilkie at Kampung Selampit, Lundu on Aug 21, 2024. Photo credit: Wilfred Pilo

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By Wilfred Pilo and Karen Bong

LUNDU, Aug 21: The body of one of three students who went missing after their boat sank in Sungai Kayan has been discovered and retrieved at 11.58am today.

Fifteen-year-old Vilkie Wilson was found floating 10 metres from the search and rescue (SAR) operation control post by villagers.

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His remains have been transported by the SAR team.

The scene on the second day of SAR operations for the missing students after their boat capsized on Sungai Kayan, Kampung Selampit in Lundu on Aug 21, 2024.

Search efforts will continue to locate the remaining two victims—14-year-old Alsma Jithil and 16-year-old Helena Fasha Petrus—all students of SMK Senibong.

The search, involving multiple agencies including the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), police, K9 Unit, Drone Unit, Civil Defence Force (APM), Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), and People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), resumed at 7am today.

The Bomba K9 Unit and cadaver dog Bella are playing a critical role in the operation.

Since yesterday (Aug 20), around 80 villagers with eight boats have joined the SAR efforts.

The boat, which capsized while crossing the river from Kampung Selampit at approximately 6.10 am on Tuesday (Aug 20), was carrying about 20 passengers, including 16 students, four adults, and a motorcycle. — DayakDaily