SIBU: A fishing trip turned tragic when an inflatable boat sank in Sungai Putat, Asam Paya, Kuala Baram, leaving one man dead and another injured.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the Lutong station received a distress call at 11.22am on Wednesday (March 5) and immediately dispatched a team, led by Operation Commander PBK II Faizul bin Ali and Station Chief PBT II Henry Jugah, to the scene.
Upon arrival, rescuers found the boat driver and his deceased companion already at the Rumah Mekar jetty.
The injured survivor, Jeansher Bunsu, 27, sustained head and hand injuries after being struck by the propeller blades of their outboard engine.
He was rushed to Miri Hospital by ambulance.
"The second victim, Vincent Patrick, 58, was pronounced dead by the hospital authority. His body has been handed over to the police for further investigation," it said.
According to initial reports, the two men were travelling upstream to Sungai Baram for a fishing trip when their boat suddenly lost control and sank.
Both fell into the river but were rescued by nearby longhouse villagers. Despite his injuries, Jeansher managed to navigate the boat downstream to the jetty, bringing his deceased companion with him.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.
