Boat sinking tragedy: Woman drowns, two children missing
KENINGAU - A woman drowned while her two children are missing after their boat sunk in an incident at Kampung Sinsingon Penawan River, Sapulut on Tuesday.
Lerina Rody, 26, was declared dead after she was found at 3.15pm while her two children Joffinoz Joffrinos and Carbrineleyvonne, nine and seven were still missing.
Two others, her husband Joffrinos Palandok and five-year-old son Jilan survived.
Sook fire and rescue station chief Faisal Ahmad said he received a distress call at 1.14pm to inform on a boat carrying a family of five had sunk.
He said a team from Sook and Keningau and firemen rushed to the scene.
“All victims were said to be returning home but their boat sunk due to strong current," he told Sinar.
He said the search and rescue (Sar) operations continued to its second day with the aid of several parties including residents and have searched around three kilometers.
“As of 4pm, a resident Lasimin Mantun, 38, involved in the Sar operations had fallen from the riverbank and was swept by the current and the resident is still missing as of now,” he said.
Faisal said the operations to find the victims were postponed at 6.30pm and will be resumed on Thursday.
