Elder brother grief-stricken by Alasma’s tragic death in Lundu boat capsize incident

LUNDU (Aug 22): Grief overwhelmed Adi Jitwil after he learned of the discovery of the body of his sister Alasma early today.

Alasma was reported missing after a boat that carried 16 students sank in Batang Kayan on Tuesday morning.

He recalled that he learned of the discovery of his sister’s body when he went out of their house to check on the commotion there.

“Yes, I feel sad but I’m grateful because her body has been found.

“It’s like she knew that people were looking for her so her body floated for people to discover,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post.

At the time of writing, Adi along with his mother Mutiar Nyodieng and other family members were at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) waiting for the post-mortem results and to bring her body back for a proper burial.

Being the third eldest among five siblings, Adi described Alasma as a very bright student, playful and kind although at times she picked on her siblings.

But despite her playful nature she was also a kind person as she also helped friends who were in need, he said.

“She really has a good heart… she loves to smile a lot too.

“Even though she was just a Form 2 student, she rarely told anyone of her problems; with that, I also see her as a strong, independent girl,” he added.

Alasma, aged 14, Helena Fasha Petrus, 17, and Vilkie Wilson, 15, went missing after the boat they were travelling in with 13 other students sank in Sungai Batang Kayan on Tuesday morning.

Vilkie and Helena’s bodies were recovered during the second day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation yesterday.