Teen drowns, another still missing

KOTA KINABALU: A teenager drowned and another youth was missing after a boat with eight people, who were on a fishing trip, capsized at a river mouth.

The six others managed to swim to safety in the incident that occurred in waters off Kampung Tamau Batu Gadung, Kota Belud, at around 5.20pm on Sunday.

Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station chief Elgie Bakuk said the body of the first victim, 18-year-old Mohd Dzul Nazri Abdul, was found by villagers about 700m from where the boat capsized.

“We have stepped up search operations for the second victim, who is still missing,” Elgie added.

The boat was believed to have been hit by strong waves before overturning at the river mouth, causing the two victims to be swept away by the currents.