Local hero ‘Bapa Sam’ rescues 10 in Sungai Kayan tragedy, regrets not being able to save those he couldn’t reach

A screenshot of Louis in an interview by Sarawak Edition at Kampung Selampit on Aug 20, 2024.

UPDATE: The body of one of the students, identified as 15-year-old Vilkie Wilson, has been discovered and retrieved by search and rescue personnel as of 11.58am today.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 21: Louis Josp, or better known as Bapa Sam by locals, risked his own life by diving into the swirling river currents to pull 10 victims to safety after their boat capsized at Sungai Kayan in Kampung Selampit, Lundu yesterday.

Although gasping and struggling in the water himself, the 53-year-old expressed deep regret over not being able to save everyone, as the tragic events unfolded in the blink of an eye.

“Imagine how you would feel when you hear cries of ‘tolong, tolong’ (help, help), but then they disappear beneath the water,” he told Sarawak Edition in an interview on Aug 20.

Louis had been waiting in his car across the river for his mother, who needed to go for dialysis, when he heard that a boat had capsized.

Fearing that his 91-year-old mother might be on the boat and the many students might be in danger, he rushed to the scene. The boat had already drifted farther downriver.

“I tried to find a boat, but they were all locked and anchored. So, I took off my shirt and leaped into the water. While concerned for both my safety and the victims’, I prayed, ‘God, I leave this in Your hands, whatever happens, happens,’” he recounted.

The weather was fine that day, but the water level was high, and while the current was not particularly strong, it still posed a challenge.

At one point, as water filled his mouth, Louis struggled to reach a victim and instructed them to hold on to anything floating and not let go.

“Thankfully, that person made it to the riverbank. But I saw many others still in the water, clinging to the roof of the capsized boat. I found a boat tied to the bank, untied it, pushed it out, and paddled with my hands to reach the victims.

“I shouted for them to hold on to anything and avoid trying to swim, as panic and exhaustion could set in. That’s based on my experience,” he explained.

Upon reaching the victims, Louis helped pull them into the boat, one by one. About 10 people were rescued before a boat with an engine arrived to transport them safely to land.

This was not Louis’ first rescue attempt at the same river — it was his second, and it has left him deeply traumatised.

“This isn’t about seeking fame or being a hero. It’s the second time I’ve had to make such a rescue in this river. The last time, I couldn’t save someone from drowning, and that regret has stayed with me,” he shared.

Bomba personnel along with cadaver dog Bella set out on a search and rescue mission in Sungai Kayan, Lundu on Aug 20, 2024.

The police Drone Unit being deployed to the scene to assist in the SAR operation for three missing students at Kampung Selampit on Aug 20, 2024.

As a member of the local crocodile hunter team, Louis hopes that people will refrain from speculating about the incident.

Instead, he urged everyone to gather their strength and work with the authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

“Don’t give up hope,” he said.

In the incident, two missing students from SMK Senibong remained unaccounted for.

The boat, which capsized while crossing the river from Kampung Selampit at approximately 6.10am Tuesday, was carrying around 20 passengers, including 16 students and four adults, as well as a motorcycle.

The missing students have been identified as Alsma Jithil, 14, and Helena Fasha Petrus, 16, all of whom are students of SMK Senibong.

The search efforts, involving various agencies such as 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 today at 7am, with the Bomba K9 unit and cadaver dog Bella continuing their critical role. — DayakDaily