A fisherman is feared to have been attacked by a crocodile in a river near Taman Kenari, Batu 7, Sandakan yesterday evening.
The victim, Obing Markum, believed to be in his 30s and from Kampung Batu Putih, had gone to the river around 4pm to cast his fishing net. Two hours later, villagers noticed his boat behaving strangely and discovered apparent crocodile bite marks on it.
According to his cousin, Sabturani Omar, the family rushed to the scene after being informed by locals that the boat appeared to be struck by something large.
“Villagers said they saw the boat move violently, as if it had been hit by a crocodile’s tail. My cousin was nowhere in sight,” Sabturani said at the riverbank.
Despite efforts by villagers who went out on two boats to search for Obing last night, the fisherman remains missing.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department chief Jimmy Lagung said they received an emergency call from the police about the incident at 8.50am today.
“A team of five personnel was deployed to carry out a search-and-rescue operation at the location. The victim has yet to be found,” he said.
The SAR operation is ongoing and involves local authorities and community members.
