Bomba resumes SAR operation for man whose car plunged into river in Sibu

Bomba divers in the midst of their SAR operation for the victim.

SIBU, May 27: Fire fighters and search and rescue (SAR) divers are not giving up the search for a 43-year-old man, who is feared drowned after the car he was driving plunged into the river in front of a hotel early this morning.

Sibu Central Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station chief, Suna Kahar when met at the search and rescue operation today said their efforts to search for the victim were hampered by debris and strong water currents.

“From what we were told by the police, the river bed where the car plunged into the river contains lots of wood debris. The current is also very swift, which is an obstacle for us in our search for the victim,” he said.

He added that frogmen (SAR divers) had went down twice as of 11am but in vain.

“We will continue with the SAR for the victim,” he assured.

Suna said his station received a distress call at 12.40am from the hotel.

“A man who was about to check into the hotel saw the victim’s car crash into a metal railing and plunged into the river. He then informed the hotel counter staff,” he said.

Sibu Central Station immediately dispatched six fire fighters to the scene.

They have since launched a SAR operation for the victim but had to call it off as it was dark. The SAR resumed at 6am today. — DayakDaily