KUCHING: A man who was reported missing and feared to have drowned in the croc-infested Sungai Kuala Tutoh, Baram in Miri on Wednesday (Nov 5), was found dead Friday (Nov 7) morning in a decomposed state.
A spokesman for the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department's operations centre said the victim was found while being devoured by a crocodile.
The Indian national, identified as Prashant, 21, who worked as a crew member on a ship anchored downstream of Kampung Kuala Tutoh, was found at 9.30am, about one kilometre from the last location where he was feared to have drowned.
"When the search team found him, a crocodile was seen biting the victim's left arm. The victim's entire left hand was missing and is likely to have been devoured by the reptile.
"Whether it was a crocodile attack or otherwise, the exact cause of death has yet to be determined," he said on Friday.
He added that the victim's body was handed over to police for further action and was later taken to a hospital for a post-mortem.
The search and rescue operation, which lasted two days and ended at 11am, involved personnel from the Marudi Fire and Rescue Station, using a Triton outboard engine and an aluminium boat.
Also assisting in the operation were the police and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force. — Bernama
