Five missing after boat capsizes

KUCHING: A regatta training session turned into a rescue operation this afternoon when a boat carrying 15 participants capsized in the waters near Royal Bay Commercial Centre, Bintawa.

The incident occurred around 4.20 pm when the boat, being used for the training exercise, overturned.

While 11 individuals managed to swim to safety, five people remain unaccounted for.Emer

gency services, including the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) and the Marine Police, have launched a search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate the missing participants.

Tabuan Jaya Fire Station is leading the operation, with teams from Petra Jaya and Batu Lintang Fire Stations also assisting.

Firefighters searches for the remaining victims

A total of eight firefighters, along with one Hilux vehicle and two boats, are on the scene to aid in the search.

The boat capsized during what was intended to be a routine training exercise.

Emergency services were notified immediately and arrived at the scene within seven minutes.