Man Missing in Tutong River

Man Missing In Tutong River

By Hj Minor Absah

Tutong - A local man has gone missing yesterday and is feared drowned in the Tutong River near Kg Suran. The man, identified as Mohd Yussof bin Hitam, 59, was last seen gasping for air after he was believed to have fallen off his boat.

He was said to be on a fishing trip when the incident happened. A witness, Kamaliah bte Abdullah, said she saw a man struggling in the river and calling for help. His boat meanwhile was seen out of control and going around in circles.

She quickly alerted her employer who then called the Fire and Rescue Services, who immediately began a search and rescue operation. By then, the man was nowhere to be seen.
According to village residents, the boat belonging to the man was found by the riverbank. Inspection on the boat found a wallet and the identity card of the man as well as his mobile phone. His wife was then informed about the incident.

The wife told the Sunday Bulletin that her husband is a keen fisherman especially after he retired. He had told her earlier that morning that he was going out for a fishing trip before leaving the house.
At 10 am, her husband called her on the mobile phone reminding her to take her medicines as she was not feeling unwell. Fire and Rescue personnel from the Tutong Fire Station led by SSFR Tahir bin Hj Mohammad said they received the emergency call at about 1.45 pm. He said his divers will continue to search for the man. Police divers were also on the scene combing the waters in the search. They told the Bulletin that investigations will be carried out on the incident.
Close relatives, as well as village residents, were seen yesterday in their own boat giving assistance to find the man. Acting Tutong District Officer Awg Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu and the Penghulu of Pekan Tutong, Hj Azahari bin Iradat also joined the search party.
As of 7 pm last night, the operation was still ongoing. There was no further news at press-time. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin