Regatta training mishap: Cops confirm capsized boat from Premier’s Department’s UKPS team

KUCHING (Oct 18): Police have confirmed that the five persons who went missing after their boat capsized during a regatta training session here today, were members of the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) team from the Premier’s Department.

Kuching police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the five, aged between 23 and 34, have been identified as Mohammad Ikhmal Sama’ail, Majurie Maharuf, Mohd Afiq Isyamudin Asaari, Mohamad Khairul Bidin, and Muhammad Khairul Hisham Kasturi.

“The incident happened around 3.47pm when a fishing boat coming from the opposite direction created a wave that caused water to come into the boat, causing it to sink.

“Eleven of the 16 individuals in the boat managed to save themselves, while the remaining five are still missing,” he told reporters when met at the scene of the incident at the Bintawa industrial area.

Mohd Farhan said a search-and-rescue (SAR) operation was immediately launched involving 69 officers and personnel from 12 agencies.

He said eight boats were deployed to scour the Sarawak River, but the search was postponed at 7.20pm due to poor weather and darkness limiting visibility.

However, Mohd Farhan said drones and thermal imaging are being used to detect any movement on the surface of water.

He added that although the Sarawak River is known to be inhabited by crocodiles, rescuers have not ruled out carrying out dives to search for the missing victims.

“The search will resume tomorrow at 6am, with one team searching from the site of the incident towards the river mouth and out to sea, and the other searching upstream.

“Local fishermen will also assist in the search,” he said, adding that external help from non-governmental organisations are also welcome.

Meanwhile, Mohd Farhan advised the public not to speculate on the incident as the matter is still under investigation.