KUALA LUMPUR: Search and rescue operation (SAR Op) for three children, who were swept away while bathing at Sungai Kuyoh near Sungai Besi Army Camp here yesterday, was resumed at 7am today.
Cheras police chief Assistant Commissioner Chong Kok Sin said the morning mission will focus along the river and its banks, as well as around a garbage trap behind PPR Permai nearby.
The SAR Op was launched about 6pm yesterday when authorities were alerted to the incident involving three children of military personnel from the camp.
The NST was informed that the victims have been identified as Joe Jerry Primus, 12, Remy Julian Raymond Joe, 14, and Joewel Usin, 9.
Chong said yesterday's operation, which was halted at 3am, involved 100 rescuers from the city Fire and Rescue Department, volunteer firemen, Civil Defence Department personnel, police as well as residents from PPR Permai nearby the scene.
On the incident, Chong said police initial investigation found that the victims and five others, all aged under 15, went fishing at the river about 2.45pm.
"Police were told that at about 5.30pm, the boys went into the river to release a fishing hook.
"They then continued to bathe and swim in the river. It was raining heavily at that time.
"Witnesses said this was when they were suddenly swept away by a strong surge of water," he said.
Chong said five of the boys managed to swim to safety.
However, by then, the three victims were nowhere to be seen.
Meanwhile, city Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Azizan Ismail said the morning operation will also involves the department's rescue divers as well as K9 unit.