SIBU, March 7 — Two policemen are among four victims reported missing after the longboat they were travelling in capsized in the Batang Baleh River near SK Lepong Baleh in Kapit on Thursday afternoon.
Kapit District Police chief DSP Rohana Nanu said at the time of the incident, the two policemen were on their way from Kuching to Ng Tulie, Kapit with explosives weighing 35 kg and detonators.
She said the two missing policemen were identified as Sergeant Jonathan Lambet from the welfare branch and Constable Iskandar Ibrahim from the weapons branch at the Kapit District Police Headquarters.
According to Rohana, in the incident at around 5 pm, the two policemen along with three other passengers boarded a boat from the SK Lepong Baleh jetty heading towards Ng Tulie to deliver the explosives.
“Upon reaching the scene, the boat veered slightly to the left towards the upstream of the river and encountered swirling water, causing the boat to capsize.
“One victim was rescued by members of the public while the other four are still missing,” she said in a statement tonight.
“The fire and rescue team conducted surface searching within a one-kilometre radius of the last seen location of the victims but due to strong currents and worsening conditions, the operation was suspended at 6.50 pm and will resume tomorrow morning,” said Sibu Zone Fire and Rescue Department chief Andy Alie.
— Bernama
