BELAGA: The body of an elderly man, who was reported missing after falling into the river at Sungai Benatu Punan Bah on Monday (Dec 30), has been found drowned today (Jan 1).
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said 60-year-old Micheal Sait Lanyau was discovered afloat by rescuers and villagers at 9.10 am.
His body was recovered about 1km downstream from the search and rescue (SAR) control post, and was handed over to the police for further action.
Following the discovery, the operation was called off at around 9.30 am.
Last Monday, Micheal was feared to have drowned at around 7.30 am. He was swept away by strong currents after falling from his boat.
Prior to the incident, Micheal was said to be out searching for durians.
The unfortunate incident was witnessed by villagers. However, they did not have time to rescue the man as they witnessed the incident from afar.
Preliminary efforts to search for the victim were carried out by villagers before a police report was made for further action.
Acting on the report, firefighters from Belaga station together with the police and Civil Defence Force (APM) were dispatched to the scene, about 115km away by logging roads and plantation routes.
