The mystery surrounding the disappearance of a man in his 70s was resolved after his body was found following a search and rescue (SAR) operation near Hotel Casa De Rio here today.
The victim was discovered by rescue personnel at about 11.45am, not far from the location where he was reported missing.
The operation was carried out by the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) together with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) after receiving a report that the elderly man was believed to have fallen into the river.
Melaka JBPM Public Relations Officer Deputy Fire Superintendent II Mohd Hafidzatullah Rashid said the department received an emergency call at 10.10am before a team from the Melaka Tengah Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene at 10.16am.
He said initial information indicated that the victim was believed to have fallen into the river at around 5.45am.
“Upon arrival, the operation team found several personal belongings belonging to the victim near the riverbank,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Hafidzatullah said the search operation was conducted with assistance from PDRM, including reviewing nearby closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings and using the water surfing method.
He said the victim was located at 11.45am, and rescue personnel worked together with police to bring the body to shore before waiting for confirmation from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
The operation involved 12 firefighters, comprising six Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) personnel and six members from the Water Rescue Team (PPDA), with support from PDRM.
He added that no difficulties were reported throughout the rescue operation.
