By DayakDaily Team
SARIKEI, Sept 20: A research outing for four teenagers turned into a tragedy when one of them drowned at Wong Ruan waterfall in Ulu Sarikei this afternoon.
According to the Sarikei Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the victim, along with three friends — all students of SMK Tinggi Sarikei aged between 17 and 18 — were conducting research in the area when the incident occurred around 11.30am.
After completing their research tasks, the victim, identified as Alex Lau, leaped into the river to bathe but did not resurface.
Upon noticing, one of his friends quickly alerted residents of a nearby longhouse to call for help.
The Lubok Lemba Bomba Volunteers Team (PBS) responded to the emergency and immediately deployed 12 members to the scene.
Upon arrival, they managed to locate the body of the victim.
PBS member Branddon Lamada dived three metres into the river to reach the riverbed and successfully recovered the body of the drowned boy at about 12pm.
Firefighters, police and paramedics arrived at the location between 1.30pm to 1.50pm.
Firefighters transported the body of the victim from the incident site, handing it over to the police to be transported to the Jakar police station for identification procedures.
The deceased’s body is expected to be transferred to Sarikei Hospital for further action. — DayakDaily
