KOTA SAMARAHAN: A two and a half year-old girl was snatched by a crocodile while bathing in a river with her father near here.
The incident occurred around 6.15pm yesterday when the victim, Erlieystha Abdul Rahim, was dragged underwater moments after her father was bitten by the reptile at Kampung Sungai Mata.
A spokesperson for the state Civil Defence Department said its personnel were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance following a distress call received at 6.21pm.
“Initial information given to us indicated the father was bathing in the river with his daughter when he felt something bite him.
“He immediately climbed to safety but was unable to grab his daughter in time, and watched helplessly as she was dragged underwater by a crocodile and disappeared from sight,” said the spokesperson.
The 26-year-old father suffered a broken arm while trying to rescue his daughter and was sent to Sarawak General Hospital for treatment.
It was learned that the state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) have also deployed a team to the scene to begin an immediate operation to locate the victim.