SONG: A total of nine individuals survived while an elderly man was feared drowned after their longboat capsized in Jeram Giam, Ulu Sungai Katibas last Saturday (Oct 30).
Song district police chief DSP Rowney Michael Jalak said the missing victim was identified as Tataw Najong, 69, from Rumah Engkamat, Nanga Tada, Kanowit.
A police report was lodged by the headmistress of Sekolah Kebangsaan Nanga Selibut after she was alerted to the incident by a teacher, who was approached by an unknown man informing about a longboat capsized incident at about 10am.
“Investigations found that one of the survivors — the longboat navigator, identified as Erok @ Irok Ranggau — said he and nine family members went to town around 9am to send their relative back to Rumah Ragie, Nanga Tada in Kanowit after a family visit at Rumah Enggong, Tapang Nacham, Ulu Sungai Katibas.
“An hour later, water filled the boat, causing it to capsize.
“Erok managed to save three children and the others managed to swim to safety. However, Tataw, who was clinging to the back of the overturned boat, could not be saved,” he said.
Tataw was swept away by strong river currents, about 100 metres from the scene, and disappeared from sight.
Rowney added that the survivors had asked for help from passers-by to find the victim but to no avail.
“The other survivors are Bangkang Ekeh (56), Remon Billie (39), Josephine Irok (35), Ellise Erok (23), Cassandra Marsheila (10), Reefersia Alisa Tang (nine), Clara Nellydia Remon (seven) and Felicia Olivia Rimun (four),” he said.
Meanwhile, the search and rescue operation involving three firemen, two policemen and 16 villagers, continued today (Oct 31) at 8am using the water surface searching methods.
“The search was carried out within a 3-km radius of the location where the boat was capsized and along the riverbanks.
“As at press time, the victim has yet to be found,” Rowney said.
