KUCHING: A 15-year-old boy feared to have been attacked by a crocodile in Sarawak River at Rantau Panjang, Batu Kawa, was found dead later the same day today (Mar 27).
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said it received a distress call at about 2.41 pm and arrived at the scene 14 minutes later.
“Before the incident, the victim was bathing in the river with his siblings while their mother was washing clothes nearby.
“While in the water, the victim complained of pain in his leg before he was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile,” said a Bomba spokesperson.
During the incident, the victim’s grandfather attempted to pursue the crocodile using a boat, but the victim disappeared from sight about 200 metres from the location.
A search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched involving firefighters and the water rescue unit, who carried out surface searches in the area where the victim was last seen.
The victim was found at about 5.27 pm by family members across the river from a nearby longhouse area, with the body showing severe injuries.
His body was brought to shore for identification before being handed over to the police for further action.
The operation was called off at about 5.32 pm.
