By Wilfred Pilo and Karen Bong
LUNDU, Aug 21: The body of the second victim of the Sungai Kayan boat capsize tragedy was recovered at 5.30pm today.
Sixteen-year-old Helena Fasha Petrus was found floating approximately one kilometre downstream from the capsize site by local villagers.
Her remains were transported by the search and rescue (SAR) team and handed over to the police for further procedures.
Search efforts are ongoing to locate the final missing victim, 14-year-old Alsma Jithil.
Earlier today, at around noon, the body of the first victim, 15-year-old Vilkie Wilson, was discovered floating about 10 metres from the SAR operation control post by villagers. All three victims were students of SMK Senibong.
The extensive search operation, which began at 7am today, involves multiple agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), police, K9 Unit, Drone Unit, Civil Defence Force (APM), Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), and the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela).
The Armed Forces and Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) have also deployed assets and personnel to aid the operation.
Resources include cadaver dog Bella from the Bomba K9 Unit, four jetskis from Jetski Sarawak, and an increase in boats from eight to 11 provided by local villagers provided additional support.
Earlier today, a helicopter was also seen circling the area searching for the victims.
The boat, which capsized while crossing the river from Kampung Selampit at approximately 6.10am on Tuesday (Aug 20), was carrying about 20 passengers, including 16 students, four adults, and a motorcycle. — DayakDaily
