A weekend outing turned into a tragedy for a 15-year-old boy who was found drowned in Sungai Bangkit Katibas in Kapit on Sunday afternoon. The victim, identified as Sylvester Jarbis Mesin, was discovered near Rumah Sebastian Tambi in Nanga Bangkit, Song, after he was reported missing while swimming in the river. According to a statement released by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the teenager had headed out to bathe in the river with two of his companions at approximately 12:30 pm.
The distress call regarding the incident reached emergency services at 1:15 pm, prompting an immediate response from the Song Fire and Rescue Station. However, the rescue operation faced significant logistical challenges as the site of the drowning was located roughly 65 kilometres away from the station. To reach the remote settlement of Nanga Bangkit, the rescue personnel were required to navigate the local river systems by boat, which added to the complexity of the deployment.
Before the official rescue team could arrive at the scene, local villagers initiated their own search and rescue efforts along the riverbanks. At approximately 3:15 pm, the search concluded when members of the community located the boy’s lifeless body. The remains were found submerged about 100 metres away from the spot where he was last seen by his friends earlier that afternoon.
Following the recovery, the body was transported to the Nanga Bangkit Clinic for further procedures. The sudden loss of the teenager has cast a somber mood over the rural community, highlighting the persistent dangers associated with recreational activities in fast-flowing inland waterways. Authorities have expressed their condolences to the bereaved family while noting the swift action taken by the villagers during the emergency.
An investigation into the exact circumstances of the drowning is currently being handled by the relevant authorities. This incident serves as a poignant reminder for residents in riverside areas to remain vigilant, especially during periods where river conditions may change unexpectedly. The Sarawak JBPM continues to advise the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging in water-based activities in remote areas where professional emergency assistance may take longer to arrive.
