By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran,
21st September 2024 – A tragic incident unfolded in Kampung Ranggu, Tawau, when a four-year-old girl, Putri Jimar, was swept away by the river’s strong current while crossing with her father.
The incident occurred at Batu 8, Jalan Apas, around 6:10 p.m., as the father attempted to carry his daughter across the river. However, she slipped from his grasp, and the swift current carried her downstream.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Tawau Fire and Rescue Department dispatched a team of six personnel to the scene to search for the missing child. The rescue efforts were initiated promptly, but the strong currents hampered the search operations.
The team scoured the riverbank and surrounding areas for several hours, but unfortunately, the child had not yet been found.
By 8:11 p.m., the search and rescue operation had to be temporarily suspended due to low visibility. The rescue team plans to resume their efforts early the next morning, hoping to recover the child as quickly as possible. Local authorities continue to urge the community to remain vigilant when crossing rivers, particularly during periods of high water levels.
This tragic incident has sent waves of grief through the community, with many expressing their condolences and prayers for the family. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, as search efforts continue to ensure the young girl’s recovery.
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by rivers and the importance of taking extra precautions when crossing waterways, especially with young children, as stated in Sinar Harian.
