MIRI: The management of Mulu National Park has come up with a report on the situation that led to the death of a Dutchman and a tour guide in a flash flood that hit the park’s ‘Garden of Eden’ near Deer Cave last July 12.
Among other things the report described the details of what happened prior to, during and after the fatal park tour.
The report was handed over yesterday by Mulu National park manager, Hein Gerstner, to Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin who received it on behalf of the state government.
Also present during the handover was SFC general manager Oswald Braken Tisen and Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief Supt Law Poh Kiong.
“What happened was unforeseen. It was an isolated case, but we take it very seriously and will make sure that similar tragedies won’t happen in future in the park,” Lee said.
He disclosed that SFC and other relevant agencies would form a committee to review the standard operating procedure (SOP) in Mulu National Park to further enhance whatever safety measures are already in place there.
According to Lee, before the flash flood struck the area, park guide, Roviezal Robin, 20, followed the park’s SOP by bringing a group of nine tourists including Dutchman, Peter Hoverkemp, 66, to cross back into the Deer Cave when the water level rose after a sudden downpour that day.
Unfortunately, the strong current swept away both Peter and Roviezal.
Peter’s body was found at 6.40pm on July 13 while Roviezal, a Berawan who had three years experience as a park guide, was found in the morning of July 15.
Peter’s body was flown to the Netherland last Wednesday.
“SFC will call in experts, especially caving experts, because we want to know what really happened,” he said.
That was the first time that a tour guide died in the line of duty in the park.
In view of the tragedy, Lee also appealed to the Sarawak Health Department to upgrade their facilities at Mulu National Park.
“Currently, there’s just one doctor in the national park,” he said after attending a meeting with SFC, Mulu National Park management and Bomba Miri at the Islamic Complex here.
Mulu National Park currently has 25 well-trained park guides.
Meanwhile, Miri Fire and Rescue department chief, Supt Law Poh Kiong, said that they are badly in need of remotely operated vehicles (ROV) for rescue efforts inside caves and underwater.
