Missing crane operator who fell off barge found safe in Belawai

BINTULU (July 25): A 59-year-old crane operator, who was initially reported missing after falling off a barge at Tanjung Baun, Batang Belawai here on Wednesday, has been found by a group of fishermen from Kampung Kedang.

According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the Tanjung Manis fire station first received a distress call from the victim’s colleague, Luji Lukang, at around 4.45pm that day.

Bomba in a statement said Kong Wen Fui was last seen on the barge as he and Luji journeyed to collect sand in Batang Paloh, and that by the time they reached the Batang Baun estuary at 2.30pm, the crane operator was nowhere to be found.

“At around 9pm that night, the fire station was informed that Kong had been rescued by a group of fishermen from Kampung Kedang – a village near the location where the victim fell from the sand dredger.

“Kong then contacted his employer using one of the fishermen’s mobile phones, asking to be picked up at Tanjung Baun, Batang Belawai,” said Bomba.

It said crew members arrived at the specified location at around 9.30pm where they found the victim safe and sound.

“A Bomba team headed to Belawai at 10am today (July 25) to meet the victim, who was accompanied by his crew members, and found him in good health with no signs of injury,” it added.