Senior citizen drowns in river in Tawau

KOTA KINABALU: The Fire and Rescue Department was called in to assist in retrieving the body of an 84-year-old man, who had drowned in Sungai Balung in Tawau on Wednesday (Jan 10).

According to the report received at 6.23pm about the incident at Eco Balung River, the team was requested by the Health Ministry's side to help with finding the remains after the ministry’s staff encountered difficulties in retrieving the senior citizen’s body.

“The team from Tawau Fire Station was sent to the location using a four-by-four vehicle and information will be updated from time to time,” said a spokesman.

Meanwhile, in a separate case in Kundasang, the department’s Mountain Search and Rescue (Mosar) unit assisted in carrying an 18-year-old climber who sprained her left leg when descending Mount Kinabalu.

The emergency call was received from a mountain guide at 3.35pm reporting the incident at KM2.5 at the mountain, detailing that the victim was unable to continue the journey down on her own.

“The team of six, assisted by a mountain guide and two Sabah Parks officers, gave early treatment to the victim, before bringing her down the mountain using a stretcher.

“After reaching the foot of the mountain at Timpohon Gate, the victim was brought to the Ranau district hospital by ambulance for further treatment,” said the spokesman, adding that the operation ended at 5.40pm.