SIBU: A man is feared to have drowned after he fell into the river while loading goods onto the express boats at Pulau Babi here today.
Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) Zone 4 chief Andy Alie said the incident, involving a victim believed to be a dock coolie, happened at around 12.30 pm.
“A team from Sibu fire station has been dispatched to the scene to carry out a search and rescue (SAR) operation.
“Upon arrival, the team was informed by an eyewitness that a man dressed in black attire had fallen into the river while loading items onto the express boat,” he said.
Following the incident, a joint operation, including four members of the marine police force, was initiated at 12.30 pm to conduct the SAR operation.
“The search efforts have focused around the area where the victim fell into the water, covering a radius of one kilometre from the location.
“However, as of 5 pm, the SAR team has yet to discover any traces of the missing person,” he stated.
The search has been halted and will resume today.
Meanwhile, Sibu Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, when contacted, confirmed that a report regarding the incident was received and the case was classified as a missing person case.
