LUBOK ANTU: A weekend outing turned tragic after a man drowned while bathing near the suspension bridge, not far from the Batang Ai Hydro Dam on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Budak Tom, in his 30s, was found lifeless at 7:02 pm, within a 30-metre radius from where he was last seen.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the water rescue unit (PPDA) discovered the victim face-down at a depth of five metres.
His remains were recovered and handed over to the police for further action.
Earlier, firefighters from Betong station were alerted at 3:29 pm following a report that a man had gone missing while swimming in the area.
A search and rescue (SAR) operation was later launched, involving the Police and the Civil Defence Force (APM).
The victim’s wife told rescuers that her husband had shouted for help before being swept away by the river current.
The search was officially called off at 7:30 pm.
