Fire and Rescue Department officials were summoned to assist in the retrieval of an 84-year-old man’s body, who tragically drowned in Sungai Balung in Tawau on Wednesday (Jan 10).
An alert was received at 6.23pm about the incident at Eco Balung River, requesting the team on behalf of the Health Ministry’s side to aid in locating the remains, after ministry staff encountered difficulties in retrieving the senior citizen’s body.
“The Tawau Fire Station team was dispatched to the location using a four-by-four vehicle and updates will be provided periodically,” said a spokesman.
Separately, in Kundasang, the department’s Mountain Search and Rescue (Mosar) unit lent a hand in transporting an 18-year-old climber who sprained her left leg while descending Mount Kinabalu.
The emergency call came from a mountain guide at 3.35pm, reporting the incident at KM2.5 at the mountain, detailing that the victim was unable to continue the journey down on her own.
“The team of six, assisted by a mountain guide and two Sabah Parks officers, provided early treatment to the victim before bringing her down the mountain using a stretcher.
“After reaching the foot of the mountain at Timpohon Gate, the victim was taken to the Ranau district hospital by ambulance for further treatment,” said the spokesman, adding that the operation concluded at 5.40pm.
