Body of missing man found after boat capsizes in Kapit

KAPIT (March 15): The body of a 25-year-old man who went missing after a wooden boat carrying five workers capsized in Batang Rajang near the wharf area here was found on Sunday.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) operations centre said in a statement that the victim, identified as Brando Jawi Mamba from Rumah Kawin, Nanga Peraran in Song, was discovered by members of the public at the Belaga Wharf terminal at about 7.06am.

“The body has been handed over to the police for further action. The search and rescue (SAR) operation concluded at 8.20am following the recovery,” the statement said.

On Saturday, Kapit Bomba chief Timoty Barat said the victim had been reported missing after the boat overturned while the group was returning from bathing in the river at around 7pm on Friday.

“The incident occurred about 1.5 kilometres upstream from Kubu Wharf when the wooden boat they were travelling in capsized,” he explained.

According to him, four of those on board managed to swim to safety, while Brando was reported missing and feared drowned.

Timoty said the boat was believed to have been struck by large waves caused by a passing tugboat.

“The waves hit the wooden boat, causing it to overturn,” he added.

Bomba received a distress call at 3.59pm on Saturday and dispatched a team from the Kapit fire station shortly afterwards.