KUCHING, May 31: Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has instructed his service centre to extend full support to the family of a teenage girl who is feared to have drowned after a boat she was on capsized in the Mujong River yesterday.
Expressing his heartfelt sympathies and deep sadness over the tragic boat accident near Mujong Bridge, Kapit yesterday (May30), the Federal Works Minister hopes for the swift and safe recovery of missing 17-year-old Linsa Empih Melin from Rh Geramong Nanga Sipoh, Mujong Tengah.
“This tragedy is very heartbreaking, especially as the family is preparing for the Gawai Dayak celebration tomorrow.
“I have instructed my representatives in the area to closely monitor the developments as well as extending all necessary assistance to the affected family and the dedicated rescue team involved in the ongoing efforts, if needed,” he said in a statement posted on his social media today.
The search and rescue operation for Linsa is expected to commence today as the rescue teams were unable to reach the scene with their boats yesterday (May 30) due to the congested road conditions and unfavourable weather in Kapit.
A boat carrying 14 passengers capsized in the Mujong River near the Mujong Bridge yesterday, with the teenage girl now feared to have drowned.
Following a distress call received at approximately 2.40pm, firefighters from the Kapit station responded to the scene of the incident.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak, Linsa and her family were onboard the ill-fated boat, travelling from Kapit town to Rh Geramong Nanga Sipoh, Mujong Tengah, before the tragic event unfolded.
The boat’s capsizing was attributed to strong currents and overloading.
Fortunately, six men, three women, and five children managed to swim to safety and reach the shore. — DayakDaily
