Search launched for missing angler

BINTANGOR: A search and rescue operation is underway for a man believed to have drowned in a river near SK Nangga Wak here today (Aug 3).

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) was alerted to the incident at 11.45am and immediately dispatched a team to the scene.

“The victim, identified as Muhamad Ikram Imran, 26, was fishing with two friends when the accident occurred,” said Bomba in a statement.

“They were using a boat to reach a nearby riverbank when Ikram fell into the river while trying to free a snagged fishing line.”

Firefighters arrived at the scene, 52km from the Bintangor Fire Station, at 1.21pm. Despite extensive search efforts, the victim has yet to be found.

A total of three Bomba personnel are involved in the operation, aided by teams from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).

The search is focused on the riverbank area where Ikram was last seen.