Man Dies While Trying to Save Drifting Boat, Body Found 4km from Scene

IPOH: A man who went missing while attempting to save his boat from drifting away in the Perak River yesterday has been confirmed dead after his body was found today.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Division Assistant Director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the body of the victim, Ahmad Zaki Elias, 38, was found floating at about 2pm by the Water Rescue Team (PPDA), approximately four kilometres from where he was last seen.

“The operations commander initially conducted a surface search along the river with the canine unit within a six-kilometre radius.

“Firefighters then searched along both banks of the river before carrying out diving operations at locations where the victim was believed to be.

“At 2pm, the victim’s body was found floating and was subsequently handed over to the police for further action,” he said.

Earlier, the victim was reported to have gone to the scene with his 13-year-old nephew, Mohd Haris Zarid Mohd Zulkefli, in an attempt to retrieve his boat, which had drifted away in the river.

According to the teenager, who witnessed the incident, the victim jumped into the river but failed to reach the boat before he was swept away by the current and disappeared.

Berita Harian