BEKENU: A riverside swim at a plantation settlement ended in tragedy when two Indonesian men were found dead after being swept away by strong currents near Ladang Surai, Simpang Lapok, along Jalan Beluru-Long Teru.
The incident happened at around 3:00 pm on Tuesday when the victims, identified as 20-year-old Aidil and 18-year-old Irfan, were reported to be bathing in the river with several others before they disappeared in the water.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firefighters from Lopeng station were dispatched to the scene, about 68 kilometres away, following a distress call at 3:10 pm.
It was understood that Aidil’s body was recovered lifeless by the friends on the same day and his remains were handed over to Bekenu police for further action.
Today, at around 10:15 am, members of the public found Irfan’s body about 150 metres from where he had been swept away, after the waters receded.
His body was taken to the workers’ quarters, where medical officers confirmed his death at the scene. It was later handed over to police for further action.
Following the discovery, the search operation ended at 11:06 am.
