Search ends in tragedy as bodies of five regatta paddlers found

KUCHING: The bodies of five paddlers who went missing after a regatta training accident last Friday (Oct 18), were recovered near the Sarawak Barrage this morning (Oct 20).

A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said that the bodies were found between 6.16am and 7.09am.

Firefighters retrieved the first three bodies, while the Sarawak Coast Guard located the fourth. The final body was discovered by the Police Air Wing’s Drone Unit.

Kuching police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah in a press conference, said that the bodies are now undergoing an identification process at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

It was confirmed by police that all five were members of the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) under the Premier’s Department.

Last Friday (Oct 18), a training session for the regatta turned tragic when a boat carrying 16 participants capsized near Royal Bay Commercial Centre, Bintawa.

The incident occurred at 3.47pm after a passing fishing boat created waves, causing water to flood the boat and eventually sink it.

While 11 individuals managed to swim to safety, five remain unaccounted for.

Authorities were notified at 4.20pm, and a search and rescue (SAR) operation involving 13 agencies was immediately launched.

Handout photos show the bodies of five missing paddlers in the regatta training accident being recovered by authorities from the Sarawak Barrage this morning.