SIBU: The search for a 64-year-old man who went missing after the express boat he was operating sank near San Yan Plywood, Tanjung Kunyit here has entered its sixth day today (Sept 15).
The man, identified as Hui Chye Mee, owner of the vessel ‘New Boon Pang QSB 1842’, has yet to be found since the incident on Sept 10.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak said the search and rescue (SAR) operation resumed at 8.12 am today with firefighters from Sibu Sentral station mobilised to the location.
At 9.12 am, a rescue boat was launched to prepare for the search, followed by a multi-agency briefing to coordinate the day’s operations.
“Firefighters then carried out surface searches along the Rajang River using a rescue boat within a three-kilometre downstream radius,” the department said.
As of 1 pm today, the man had not been located and operation is ongoing.
The SAR operation involved firefighters from Sibu Sentral station, with assistance from police, marine police, and the Civil Defence Force (APM).
Earlier, it was reported that Hui was believed to have been transporting goods to longhouses along the Rajang and Pasin rivers at the time of the incident.
Based on police information, the accident occurred at 6.27 pm when a cargo vessel, laden with containers, slowed down after noticing the express boat approaching.
However, the express boat suddenly cut across the front of the vessel and collided with its bow before sinking.
