14-year-old missing after suspected crocodile attack in Ulu Sebuyau

KUCHING: A search and rescue (SAR) operation began at 7am today (Oct 27) for a 14-year-old boy believed to have been attacked by a crocodile at Sungai Pelaik in Ulu Sebuyau.

The victim was identified as Mohd Nordin Mohd Othman of Kampung Pelaik, Ulu Sebuyau.

According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Operations Centre, the Simunjan Fire and Rescue Station received information on the incident from the Simunjan District Police Headquarters at about 7pm on Monday.

A team from the station, led by Senior Fire Officer I Awang Johari together with firefighter Nur Faizz, was deployed to the scene to obtain further information on the victim and witnesses.

The team left the station at 7.01pm and arrived at the scene at about 8pm after travelling approximately 60km.

Bomba personnel subsequently gathered information from police and a witness who was with the victim when the incident occurred.

Following discussions with police and the complainant, authorities agreed to begin the SAR operation at 7am today.

The operation to locate the teenager is being carried out with the assistance of relevant agencies.

Earlier information contained in a police report said the boy was reportedly in a boat while carrying out oil palm harvesting work when the incident occurred at about 5.30pm on Monday.

The report stated that village head Jefri Masan alerted the authorities after being informed by a family member who witnessed the incident.

The witness was identified as the boy’s uncle, Bidin.