The mystery surrounding the disappearance of an elderly man who went fishing on Wednesday evening was solved when he was found drowned in Sungai Gadek, near the Gadek Police Station, on Wednesday night.
The victim, 76-year-old Otman Ahmad, was discovered at around 10:51 p.m. by rescue teams after nearly an hour of search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Zone 2 Chief of the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Fire Superintendent Tc Zulkhairani Ramli, said an emergency call was received at 8:49 p.m. from the victim’s nephew, prompting the SAR effort.
The family grew worried when Otman failed to return home, later finding his bicycle parked by the riverbank. A total of 17 personnel from the Alor Gajah Fire and Rescue Station and the Melaka Tengah Water Rescue Team (PPDA) were deployed to the scene.
“The SAR was carried out using half-circle and wiper search patterns, focusing on the area where the victim’s belongings were left. The victim was eventually found face down at a depth of two meters before being confirmed dead by medical officers at the scene,” he said.
According to the victim’s nephew, Otman had a history of heart disease and seizures and is believed to have slipped into the river while fishing alone.
Zulkhairani added that the calm river current at the time helped the rescue team concentrate their efforts near the suspected fall location. “The operation had to be sped up, as the opening of the water gate the next morning could have caused strong currents that might carry the body further away,” he said.
The joint operation involved 25 personnel from JBPM, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Ministry of Health (KKM).
