Angler feared drowned in Sungai Sedili

A man is feared drowned after jumping into Sungai Sedili in an attempt to save his boat which was being swept off by strong current while fishing with his friend at Jambatan Haji Mohd Lazim, Sedili Besar, here yesterday.

The victim, Azizi Amir, 45, from Kampung Semayong, Sedili Besar is believed to have drowned after trying to save his boat which was being swept off by the swift current.

Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Rahmat Othman said police received information on the incident at 12 noon, yesterday.

"Azizi is believed to have jumped into the river shortly after realising that his boat was being swept off by the swift current," he said here today.

Rahmat said subsequently, a search and rescue (SAR) operation to search for Azizi was launched involving six police personnel and one boat, nine firemen with one boat, six members of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and villagers.

He said the SAR operation was continued at 8am today involving 57 people including personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, police, MMEA, Fisheries Department and local fishermen.

-- BERNAMA