Body of missing boy found, search continues for second victim in Bintulu drowning

BINTULU (March 22): A search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched after two children were reported missing while bathing at Sungai Plan Lot Waterfall in Kidurong on Saturday, with the body of one victim found about five metres from the riverbank three hours later.

A spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) operations centre said the victim, identified as Tristan Mariss Marissa Erna, 12, was located by the SAR team in waters about nine metres deep.

“One more victim, identified as his friend Darren Dakun Paruscrum, 12, has yet to be found,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The victim’s body was later handed over to the police for further action.

In the incident, which occurred at around 2pm, the two victims and two other friends were believed to have been bathing at the waterfall before they were reported missing at about 2.20pm.

Firefighters carried out SAR operations using surface search techniques before locating the first victim at the scene.

Search efforts are ongoing to locate the second victim.

“Updates on the SAR operation will be provided from time to time,” the spokesperson added.