KUCHING: Two victims reported missing in a boat capsizing incident in Sungai Batang Baleh, Kapit, last Thursday, were found drowned today.
A spokesperson from Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the first body was discovered floating by police personnel in the waters near Pulau Kerto, Sibu, at around 10 am.
The spokesperson said the second body was found floating by firefighters at around 4 pm about five kilometers from the location of the capsized boat in Sungai Batang Baleh.
"The first body found at Pulau Kerto, Sibu, has been identified as one of the passengers of the boat, Jack Balan.
The second body found has been confirmed as a policeman who was also on board the capsized boat, Sergeant Jonathan Lambet," he said in a statement tonight.
He added that the operation is ongoing to locate the other two victims, Constable Iskandar Ibrahim and Amerson John Nain.
In the incident around 5 pm last Thursday, a boat carrying five individuals capsized in Sungai Batang Baleh near the jetty of SK Lepong Baleh.
One person was rescued by bystanders, while the other four were swept away by strong currents.
During the incident, both policemen were en route from Kuching to Nanga Tulie, Kapit, escorting a cargo of explosive weighing 35 kilograms and detonators.