BETONG: A 20-year-old man is feared drowned after a speedboat he was testing capsized along Sungai Skrang in Kampung Tisak Ulu here on Wednesday (Feb 18).
The victim has been identified as Denickles Lesen.
A spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said they received a distress call at 4.12pm and personnel from the Betong station arrived at the location at about 4.45pm.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred around 3.51pm when the victim was conducting a speedboat test along the river.
“The boat is believed to have capsized and the victim was seen struggling in the water before disappearing from sight,” the spokesperson said.
Initial search efforts were carried out using the surface water searching method with assistance from villagers using their boats.
The search focused on the last known location where the victim was reported missing.
At 7.15pm, the search and rescue (SAR) operation was suspended due to darkness and safety considerations. The operation will resume today.
Five firefighters and four members of the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) were involved, assisted by a fire engine, a Hilux and a rescue boat.
