KAPIT: A search and rescue (SAR) operation has been launched to locate a septuagenarian feared drowned after he had allegedly fell from his boat while crossing Batang Rajang last night (Jan 19).
The victim is identified as 73-year-old Lugom Benbang.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firemen from the Kapit station were promptly deployed to the scene after they received an emergency call around 8.40pm.
The team met with the victim’s family at the Sungai Yong Bridge.
According to the family, the victim was seen steering his longboat from Sungai Yong to Sungai Belawai around 7.55pm.
The locals spotted the victim’s boat going in circles at the Sungai Belawai estuary, but the victim was nowhere to be found.
A thunderstorm was brewing at the time of the incident.
As at press time the victim is yet to be found.
