BINTULU, Dec 2: Three days have passed since a vehicle suddenly plunged into the crocodile-infested Kemena river from the Public Road Department (JKR) Wharf at about 8pm that night.
Since then rescuers have been searching for the vehicle including its sole passenger Entering Junggai, 61.
However, as of 4.55pm today, rescuers have yet to locate the vehicle and victim.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) in a statement said on the night of the incident, rescuers managed to locate the vehicle on the riverbed about 150 metres away from the wharf where the incident happened.
However, due to the strong current and taking into account of their safety because the river is infested with crocodiles, rescuers including their Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) decided not to dive that night.
Today’s search and rescue (SAR) operations led by Bintulu zone operations officer PPgB Hambali Mohamad focused up to a 3km radius on the surface using grappling iron to track the position of the vehicle.
Rescuers also identified two possible spots where the vehicle might be, following the river current.
Bomba’s K9 unit from its base in Serian was also deployed to assist in the operation.
River current remained strong while visibility was murky for the divers.
Tomorrow, the local fishermen association will assist in the SAR by using nets.
Meanwhile, rescuers came across at least two crocodiles on the river bank during their search today. -DayakDaily
