SARATOK — The search and rescue (SAR) operation following a tragic boat capsize in Sungai Krian, near Feri Kaba, has officially ended after all four missing victims were found drowned.

The victims have been identified as Mohd Asfar Sulaiman (25) and three Indonesian nationals Gunawan Pawadi (35), Budianto Yapani (50) and Karyono (41).

According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), three of the four missing victims were recovered on the second day of the SAR operation today, while the first victim, Mohd Asfar, was found drowned yesterday.

At 10.10am, villagers discovered the second victim.

Just minutes later, at 10.15am, the third victim was found by joint SAR teams.

The operation culminated at 10.45am when rescuers successfully recovered the fourth and final victim from the river.

The incident occurred on Friday (Sept 26) at about 5.30pm, when ten workers of ZCCC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd attempted to cross the river from Jeti Sesang to Jeti Pusa using a small boat after finishing work. Midway across, the boat capsized.

According to Bomba, six of the victims managed to cling onto a nearby barge and were rescued by another boat, while four others were reported missing.

The six survivors are all Indonesian nationals. A police report was lodged at Saratok police station shortly after the tragedy.

The operation was officially called off at 11.10am after confirmation that all victims had been accounted for.

A total of seven Bomba personnel from the Saratok fire station, assisted by the K9 unit from Bomba Sarawak, were involved in the operation. They were supported by eight police officers, six Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel, and 36 villagers operating nine boats.

The bodies of the victims have been handed over to the police for further action.