MARUDI: A search and rescue (SAR) operation is underway for a foreign crew member who went missing while swimming in a river near Kampung Kuala Tutoh Hilir, Baram, on Wednesday.
The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Prashant from India.
It was reported that the incident happened at around 4:00 pm when the victim was swimming from the vessel towards a sandbank and a sudden storm hit, causing the ship to drift toward the middle of the river.
He then tried to swim back to the vessel, about 30 metres away, but disappeared from sight before anyone could throw him a buoy for help.
No one dared to enter the water as the area was known to be inhabited by at least four crocodiles.
The river depth where the victim was last seen is estimated to be about nine metres.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firefighters from Marudi station were dispatched to the scene after receiving a call from the police at 7:55 pm.
As at press time, Prashant has yet to be found as the search is being carried out jointly with the police.
