The body of a 23-year-old man who went missing after going to bathe in a pond near Rumah Kiroh Bali on Sunday has been found.
The search and rescue (SAR) team recovered the victim, Daniel Jumau, at a depth of approximately six metres.
Tatau Fire and Rescue Station chief Herudin Ealhi confirmed that the body was discovered yesterday morning after a two-day search involving firefighters, police personnel, and a Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) diving team.
“At 10.26am, the divers began their first descent about one metre from the spot where the victim was believed to have fallen. Fifteen minutes later, they located Daniel’s body on the pond bed,” he said in a statement.
Daniel was last seen on Sunday afternoon near the pond by the workers’ quarters. A friend told rescuers that Daniel had mentioned his intention to bathe there. When the friend returned later, Daniel was nowhere to be found, with only his towel and slippers left behind.
Herudin said the Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at 4.18pm on Sunday, prompting firefighters from Tatau station to launch an immediate search.
“Initial SAR efforts were carried out in the pond, but the victim was not located,” he added. With no eyewitnesses confirming Daniel had entered the water, police advised the friend to file an official report.
The operation was suspended at 6pm on Sunday and resumed the next day with nine firefighters and four PPDA divers continuing the search, which ultimately led to the recovery of Daniel’s body.
