SAR operation continues for Indonesian man who fell into Rejang river

SIBU (Jan 14): The search and rescue (SAR) operation for an Indonesian man who reportedly fell from a sandboat into the Rejang River near Jalan Upper Lanang continues today.

Sibu Zone 4 Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief, Andy Alie, said the victim, identified as 44-year-old Muhaji, fell from the sandboat Megakina 9 on Jan 13 at around 6pm while bathing in the river.

“Our SAR team arrived at the scene around 1.30pm and began searching for the victim using surface-searching methods within a 2-kilometre radius downstream. The rescue boat and crew were also deployed to assist in the search,” he said in a statement.

He added that on the first day of the operation, the search covered 5km downstream and 7km upstream, with cooperation from other agencies, including the marine unit and the Civil Defence Force (APM).

The weather was cloudy during the operation. The first day of SAR was suspended at 5pm and is scheduled to resume tomorrow.

“So far, no signs of the victim have been found, and the operation continues in collaboration with the police and other relevant agencies,” Andy said.

Three fire and rescue personnel were involved, using one 4X4 vehicle and a rescue boat.