Bomba and Marine Police divers prepare to search for the victim and his car.
BINTULU: A search-and-rescue (SAR) operation was launched yesterday for a senior citizen who is feared to have drowned after his car went out of control and plunged from the JKR Wharf in Sebauh into the Kemena River on Monday night.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Bintulu chief Christus Buson said divers from Bomba and Marine Police began the search for Entering Junggai, 61, at 10.30am.
“We are trying to determine the location of the car which is believed to have drifted
some 45 metres downriver from the wharf where the car fell,” he said.
The incident, which happened around 8pm, was witnessed by a member of the public who then alerted the authorities.
According to Christus, the SAR operation could not be launched immediately that night due to the strong river current.
“The divers are encountering difficulties today (yesterday) as the current is still strong.
“They also have to take into account their safety as the river is inhabited by crocodiles,” he added.
In addition to searching for the vehicle underwater, Christus said other members of the SAR team, together with local residents, carried out surface-searching over a 1km-radius downriver.
The operation, postponed at 5pm yesterday, is set to resume today.