By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 7: A 21-year-old Indian national who was reported missing and feared drowned near Kuala Tutoh in Baram was found dead on the second day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation today.
According to a report from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the body was found by firefighters at around 9.30am, about 1km from one the victim was last seen.
The victim, identified as Prashant, was found with his left hand missing and was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile as the area was reportedly known to be inhabited by the reptiles.
Based on an earlier report, the victim was part of a ship’s crew and was last seen swimming near the riverbank around 4pm on Wednesday (Nov 5).
It was reported that the victim was bathing in the river when a storm caused his vessel to drift toward the middle of the river. He reportedly attempted to swim back to the ship, which was about 30m from shore, but disappeared shortly after.
“The victim suddenly vanished from sight while swimming, and witnesses were unable to provide flotation assistance in time. No rescue attempt was made, as the area was reportedly home to four crocodiles,” the report read. — DayakDaily
