Lucky escape for three boys

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PENAMPANG: Three friends escaped death yesterday when they were swept away by strong currents in Pogunon River here yesterday.

The boys were saved by fire and rescue personnel using life jackets and ropes.

The boys were swimming in the river when the water level rose suddenly about 3.30pm and the currents swept them a few meters away before they managed to secure safety by climbing the branch of a tree.

The boys yelled for help as they did not dare to swim back to the bank. Their cries were heard by villagers who immediately informed the Fire and Rescue Services Department.

Fire and Rescue administration assistant Mohamad Nor Amit said the department received a call at 3.41pm and seven personnel led by Zainudin Harun arrived at the scene within minutes.

“We brought the boys back to safety by using life jackets and ropes,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Nor Amit reminded the public not to swim or play in the rivers during the rainy season.