PENAMPANG: The joy of six friends going for a dip in Sungai Kampung Pogunon, here turned tragic when two of them were believed to have drowned after being swept away by a water column this afternoon.
In the 4pm incident, the two victims were identified as Harold Walter and Olaf Tomansi, both 17 years old.
The other four survivors of the incident also faced anxious moments after they were trapped on the other side of the river bank.
It was made to understand that before the tragedy struck, the six teenagers were in the midst of crossing the river when a water column appeared, suddenly causing a rapid increase in the river's water level and sweeping away the two teenagers.
One teen tried to save the duo and, after failing to find them, sought the help of local villagers who contacted the Fire and Rescue Department.
Penampang Fire and Rescue Station chief Zeno Dalah said the department received an emergency call at 4.10pm.
He said a team of 11 personnel, a fire tender and the Emergency Services Assistance Unit were rushed to the scene.
"According to the caller two teenagers were believed to have drowned while four were trapped in the river.
"The operations team rescued all the 17-year-olds who survived with no scratches," he said when met at the scene.
He adds the search and rescue operation for the two other victims is still underway.
Police from the Penampang District Police Headquarters and villagers also assisted in the search operation.