KAPIT: Nine families from Bintulu, who were camping along Sungai Yong here, faced anxious moments when they were trapped following a water surge.
Fire and Rescue Department Sibu Zone chief Senior Supt Andy Allie said the Kapit Fire and Rescue Station received a distress call at 8.32pm on Sunday and dispatched an eight-member team to rescue the families, comprising 41 people.
“Due to heavy rainfall, the river water suddenly rose, causing a surge,” he said.
Supt Allie said the families were then assisted in traversing the 1.5m-deep river using a safety rope, Bernama reported.
The operation ended at 9.56pm, with all 41 victims rescued, he said.
Meanwhile, three teenage friends were believed to have drowned in Sungai Sempit at Kampung Tanjung Batu Segari near Pantai Remis.
The victims, two aged 16 and one 14, were fishing and swimming in the river during the incident yesterday.
