Lundu boat tragedy: Body of Helena Fasha Petrus found

LUNDU (Aug 21): The body of Helena Fasha Petrus, one of the three students who went missing after a boat capsized in Sungai Kayan near Kampung Selampit yesterday, has been recovered at 5.30pm today.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) deputy director Tiong Ling Hii said the body of the 16-year-old SMK Senibong student was found approximately one kilometer downstream from the site of the incident.

“The victim’s body was identified by her family and has been handed over to the police for further action,” he said when contacted.

Earlier at 11.58am, the body of 15-year-old Vilkie Wilson was found floating in the river about 10 metres from the PKB.

Both the bodies were sent to the Lundu Hospital’s Forensic Medical Department for further action.

The search and rescue (SAR) team continued their efforts to locate the youngest missing student, 14-year-old Alasma Jithil.

The students went missing after the boat they were travelling in with 13 other students sank in Sungai Kayan near Kampung Selampit early yesterday.

Bomba said a report on the incident was received at 6.33am before mobilising a team of firefighters from the Lundu fire station.

The search operation, now in its second day, is being led by Bomba operation commander Joseph Diea, along with 10 personnel from the Lundu fire station and the K9 Unit, with search dog Bella aiding the efforts.

The SAR operation focuses on a three-kilometre radius upstream, under challenging conditions of rain and rising water levels, with additional help from the armed forces (ATM).

The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Marine Police, the PDRM Drone Unit, the Civil Defence Force (APM), the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), the Sarawak Rivers Board, the Sarawak Jetski Association and the 25 personnel from the ATM.

Additionally, 34 local villagers also assisted in the SAR efforts.