SARIKEI: More rescuers were involved in a search and rescue (SAR) operation yesterday but failed to locate a teenager gone missing in Sungai Sarikei on Wednesday.
Suna gives instruction to his men as they set off on their SAR mission.
Awang Mohd Kalamullah Awang Sharizal
Awang Mohd Kalamullah Awang Sharizal, 13, disappeared while bathing in shallow waters at the river mouth.
“Involved in today’s (yesterday) SAR operation are 12 firemen in two boats; three JPAM (Civil Defence Department) members in one boat; four Sarawak Rivers Board staff in one boat and 20 villagers in five boats,” Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarikei chief Suna Kaha said at the
SAR operation base located at Terminal 2 of the express wharf here.
“The SAR operation on Wednesday afternoon was joined by JPAM, which sent four men in one boat and 16 villagers in four boats.”
When met at his house, the victim’s father Awang Sharizal Awang Semuni said Awang Mohd Kalamullah had gone with six friends aged 12 to 15 from their village, Kampung Jalan Abdul Rahman Keria, to bathe around 3.30pm.
According to the boy’s friends, the victim – who could not swim – was suddenly dragged out into deeper waters by large waves and was swept away by the swift current.
On being informed of the shocking incident by his son’s friends, Awang Sharizal alerted others in the village, who then rushed to the scene to assist.
They also notified the various authorities.
Awang Mohd Kalamullah is an SMK Bandar Sarikei student.