JASIN: A family’s fishing trip ended in tragedy when their boat capsized near the Kampung Lachang Water Treatment Plant in Merlimau, leading to the drowning of a 21-year-old man on Saturday (Feb 15).
Jasin OCPD Supt Mohamad Rusli Mat identified the deceased as Muhammad Nur Fitri Abd Rahman, whose body was recovered at 2.21pm on the same day by rescuers from the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department.
He said Merlimau police station received a distress call at 10.20am from a member of the public informing that a couple and their young son as well as another relative had taken a boat out to Lancang River for a fishing trip.
"However, the vessel began taking on water and eventually sank," he said.
In a desperate attempt to survive, Supt Mohamad said the victims tried to swim to the riverbank and cling to nearby vegetation.
He said the three survivors were identified as Abdul Razak Abdullah, 44, his wife Azizia Hussain, 36, and their seven-year-old son Muhammad Nor Abdul Razak.
"However, the deceased was swept away by strong current and rescuers later found his body trapped at the bottom of the river, about seven metres from where he was last seen," he added.
