SIMUNJAN: A 77 year-old grandfather and 27 year-old grandson drowned at Sadong River in Kpg Tegelam, Simunjan here, on last Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 5.30pm, when the victim Kajim anak Aslan wanted to pick up his grandson, Cardirwin anak Jefferi at the Kpg Lubok Punggor (opposite of Kpg Tegelam) using boat. Upon reaching the riverbank of Kpg Lubok Punggor, the boat suddenly overturned after hitting a drifting wood.
The grandson and his friend jumped to the river to save the grandfather, but unfortunately due to the strong current, the grandfather and grandson were washed away. The grandson’s friend managed to swim to the riverbank and informed to the villagers. The Simunjan Police Station received call at 11.14pm regarding the case.
Two police officers and five fire and rescue services officers were involved during the search and rescue (SAR) operation led by Mat anak Undek as the operation’s commander. The body of the first victim (Cardirwin) was found at 7.15am yesterday, about 5km from Kpg Tegelam Fire and Rescue control post.Meanwhile, the body of the second victim (Kajim) was found by the villager as it stuck on the anchored barges at Wharf of Simunjan Town at 7.18am, which is 30km f rom Kpg Tegelam Fire and Rescue control post. The remains of both victims were handed over to the police for further action and investigation.
