TAWAU: A search and rescue operation in Kampung Sungai Udin, approximately 45km from here, concluded on Friday morning with the recovery of a deceased victim. The individual was among four people swept away by strong currents after the vehicle they were in attempted to traverse a flooded road on Thursday night.
The Tawau Fire and Rescue Department launched the operation following an emergency call received at 9.34 pm. According to reports, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which was carrying two motorcycles in its rear compartment, was overwhelmed by floodwaters.
A team led by Commander PBK II Zougarana Konin arrived at the scene by 10.47 pm. Initial assessment confirmed four victims were involved: two inside the vehicle and the two motorcycle riders who had been behind it.
While three victims, aged in their 20s and 30s, were successfully rescued, one motorcycle rider remained missing overnight.
A combined team of 14 Tawau fire personnel (including six volunteers), five policemen, and 10 Civil Defence Force personnel, with medical officers on standby, conducted a surface search along a one-kilometre stretch of riverbank.
The body of the missing victim, a man in his 30s, was discovered by a plantation worker nearly 800 metres downstream at 7.15 am on Friday. The victim was retrieved and handed over to police for further action.
The operation concluded at 8.44 am after authorities confirmed the area was secure. – James Leong
Fire and rescue personnel carry the victim’s body to a waiting vehicle on Friday morning.
