4 missing, 1 saved after longboat capsizes in Kapit

 

The search at Sungai Batang Baleh in Kapit, Sarawak, had to be called off because of strong currents and bad weather conditions and will resume tomorrow morning. (Facebook pic)

SIBU: Four passengers have been reported missing, while another survived when their longboat capsized in Sungai Batang Baleh near SK Lepong Baleh in Kapit this afternoon.

Sibu fire and rescue department chief Andy Alie said 47-year-old Moses Ngui was rescued, while authorities are still searching for Iskandar Ibrahim, Jonathan Lambet, Amerson John Nain and Jack Balan.

He said the department was still obtaining details about the missing quartet.

Alie said the department received a distress call at 5.25pm and a team from the Kapit fire and rescue station arrived at the location 13km away at 5.45pm.

“According to witnesses, the incident happened at about 5pm after five passengers boarded the 30hp fibre boat,” he said.

“The team searched a 1km radius of their last-known location, but the operation was suspended at 6.50pm because of the strong currents and worsening conditions, and will resume tomorrow morning.” - FMT