LUBOK ANTU: A family outing at Batang Ai Dam ended in tragedy when a local man drowned after going for a swim on Tuesday (Jun 2).
The victim, identified as 31-year-old Rudie Lan, was reported missing after he failed to resurface shortly after entering the water while spending time with his family.
According to initial information, family members launched an immediate search but were unable to locate him.
Authorities were subsequently alerted and a search and rescue (SAR) operation was mounted involving firefighters, police and other emergency agencies.
Firefighters from Betong station arrived at the scene and conducted a joint briefing with police before deploying divers from the Water Rescue Unit (PPDA).
The first dive, carried out at 8.25pm at the location where the victim was last seen, yielded no results.
A second dive was performed at 9.40pm, and the victim was eventually found at a depth of about five metres and about one metre from the spot where he was last seen.
His body was recovered and handed over to police for further action.
