Two Men Found Drowned In Separate Incidents In Sarawak

SIBU, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Two men reported missing in separate incidents in Betong and Tanjung Manis were found drowned today, concluding search and rescue (SAR) operations that had been underway since Feb 18.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) stated that in the Betong incident, 20-year-old Denickles Lesen was found at 10:50 am, approximately 15 kilometers from the operation control post. His speedboat had capsised while he was testing it in Sungai Skrang, Tisak Ulu, last Wednesday.

"The victim's identity was confirmed by family members at the scene before the body was handed over to the police at 11:00 am for further action," JBPM said in a statement.

According to witness information, the victim was testing the speedboat at about 3:51 pm when the vessel reportedly sank. The victim was seen struggling in the water before disappearing from sight.

Meanwhile, in the Tanjung Manis incident, Sarawak JBPM reported that a fisherman, Sabarudin Awang Kamarudin, 48, was found at 9:48 am. His body was located about one kilometer from where he was reported to have gone under while netting prawns at Belawai Beach.

"The victim's body was handed over to the police before the SAR operation was officially terminated at 10:30 am," the statement added.

Based on witness accounts, the victim was netting prawns near the shore of Kampung Tepi Laut, Belawai, when he suddenly sank and was seen waving for help.

--BERNAMA