James Kon
Firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) yesterday continued its search and rescue operation for the 19-year-old local swept away by strong current on Monday morning at Batang Duri River, Temburong District.
However, the victim has yet to be found.
According to the FRD, the rescue operation is ongoing.
As many as 18 firefighters from Rataie Fire Station led by Station Commander of Rataie Fire Station Acting DSO Adanan bin Salat with diving and drone units of FRD are involved in the operation.
The teenager is believed to have been swept away by strong currents while bathing in the river.
A search operation was immediately carried out by personnel of Rataie Fire Station and FRD’s Diving Unit, while a drone was also deployed.
Personnel searched the river by setting up ropes where the victim was believed to have been swept away. But, there was no sign of the victim.
The uncertain weather and river conditions had hampered the search and rescue operation.
Firefighters then searched the banks along Kampong Sibut River and Lubok Batu Amas, three kilometres from the command post.
Firefighters and personnel from Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD) also utilised two inflatable rafts to search for the victim at the bank of Kampong Amo’s quarry area while firefighters used its boat in another area of Bangar River to Kampong Biang, but to no avail.
The operation was led by Commanding Officer of Operation ‘G’ Branch SSFR Haji Afiq bin Haji Julah and Acting DSO Adanan.
A total of 25 firefighters were involved in the operation yesterday.
Also involved were Acting Director of Operation under FRD Abdul Hadi Zulfadli bin Haji Yahya, Acting Assistant Temburong District Officer Haji Mohammad Azmi bin Haji Suhaili, Acting Village Head of Kampong Sibut Haji Suhaili bin Haji Badas, Commander of Temburong Police District DSP Haji Irham bin Haji Arshad and Head of Paramedics SNP Awangku Mohd Aiman Syafiee bin Pengiran Muhd Mahrizalludin.
In light of the incident, the FRD advised the public to stay abreast with the weather forecast to prepare for any uncertain weather condition.
It is also important to wear life jackets while carrying out water activities, added the FRD.
The public is also advised against hiking in the dark or during downpours, or venturing into the woods without informing their family and friends.
They should also bring along a whistle, torch, mobile phone and water, in case of an emergency.
