Durian hunting trip turns tragic for couple after husband drowns in Baram River

MIRI: A couple's durian hunting trip along the Baram River turned tragic when a 55-year-old man drowned after their boat capsized on Friday (Dec 7) morning.

Miri Fire Chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said the body of Lian Ngau was recovered at 6.30am from the river at the Long Pilah settlement, about 100m from where the boat capsized.

The settlement is located deep in remote northern Sarawak and is about six hours by timber road from Miri.

The couple from the Long Pilah village had on Wednesday (Dec 5) went on their boat to look for durians in the forests adjacent to the Baram River.

During the trip, their boat rammed into floating timber logs and capsized, throwing the couple overboard.

The wife managed to grab hold of a log to stay afloat and was later rescued by villagers.

The husband, however, was swept away by river currents.

Supt Law said a search and rescue mission was launched late Wednesday after Bomba was alerted.

The body has been handed to the police.