Couple missing after rescue boat capsizes

A married couple have been reported missing after falling off a boat, together with six other people, including three members from the Fire and Rescue Department, capsized in flood waters at Kampung Geliga Che Akob here today.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Md Salleh Sarbini identified the married couple as Suhaimi Awang and Nur Hayati Sulong.

He said the incident occurred about at about 1.20pm while the firemen were ferrying the couple and three other flood victims to an evacuation centre.

The evacuation was conducted according to stipulated procedures, he said, adding that all eight people on the boat, including the couple, were wearing safety jackets.

"However, during the journey, the boat got trapped in a whirlpool and capsized," he told Bernama here.

Md Salleh said attempts by the firemen to save the couple were hindered by the strong river currents.

The three other flood victims on the boat managed to swim to safety, he added.

Md Salleh said a search and rescue operation had been mounted for the couple.

The operation, involving 20 firemen, assisted by members from other agencies, has been expanded to Kuala Kemaman, he added.