Boy, 10, feared drowned after falling into river at Kapit

SIBU: A 10-year-old boy, Jenggut Antas, is feared to have drowned in Kapit when the longboat in which he was travelling with his family capsized after colliding with another vessel on Friday (Aug 5).

Kapit Fire and Rescue Department chief Timothy Barat said the family of four was on its way to Kapit town in the longboat at around 9am when its outboard engine broke down.

"The boat drifted along the river and hit a vessel anchored at the riverbank. It then capsized," he said.

Barat said the victim's parents and siblings managed to save themselves.

"All of them know how to swim but the victim was swept away by the strong current," he added.

A search and rescue operation was then launched.

Barat urged those travelling by boat to put on life jackets for their safety.