Search for missing 6-year-old girl after croc attack in Tatau to resume tomorrow

BINTULU (Sept 19): The search for six-year-old Cicilia Julan Intik, who was attacked by a crocodile yesterday, will continue tomorrow.

Tatau Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station chief Jankey Jikat said today’s search-and-rescue (SAR) operation, which began at 9.30am, covered a 2km radius from where the girl was last seen.

“The SAR team scoured Sungai Sap, Sungai Jelai, and the old Tatau bazaar river. The afternoon search at 2pm extended to Sungai Kara, Sungai Pulau Pinang, and Sungai Tatau,” he said.

Jankey added that the SAR operation, which involved the police, Civil Defence Force, Sarawak Forestry Corporation Bintulu, and local residents, had been suspended at 6pm today.

The girl was wearing only white shorts when the incident occurred around 6.30pm yesterday.

She had been bathing in the river with her grandfather and two friends when the attack happened.

According to her grandfather, he heard her scream and saw the crocodile pulling her toward the middle of the river.