SANDAKAN: A fisherman who was reported missing yesterday was found drowned at Paitan river in Beluran here this morning.
The family of Amiruddin Jakariah lodged a police report when the victim failed to return home yesterday. They told police he left home to fish on Monday.
A search and rescue operation was activated by the District Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) at 12.45pm. They were assisted by Fire and Rescue Department personnel and villagers from Kampung Babago.
Its deputy director for operation Commander Mohd Khairul Anuar Abd Majid said a man who was catching some crabs in the river spotted the fisherman on his boat at 10pm on Monday.
“However, he did not stop to check as he thought the fisherman was sleeping.
“The team then searched at the said area and found the fisherman’s body and boat,” Mohd Khairul said, adding that the family had claimed his remains.