SIBU: Four people died, six others are missing, while seven were rescued after a fibreglass boat carrying 17 passengers capsized while en route from the Kampung Belawai fishing jetty to the Coconut Farm Jetty (Zion Pelita).
The incident occurred around 2.11pm on Saturday (July 5).
The vessel, believed to be transporting Indonesian plantation workers along with daily necessities, sank before reaching its destination.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department's operations response team (PKO), the boat was ferrying 17 people when it sank.
"Rescue personnel arriving at the scene confirmed that four victims — two adult women, one male child and one female child — were found deceased," it said.
Seven people were rescued, comprising four adult men, two adult women, and one male child.
Meanwhile, six victims — five adult men and one male child — remain unaccounted for.
A search and rescue (SAR) operation was immediately launched within a 3km radius using rescue boats.
However, poor visibility and dark weather conditions forced the team to call off operations at 6pm.
The search will resume early Sunday (July 6) with assistance from the Sibu and Betong Zone Fire Department's Water Rescue Unit (PPDA).
