Two boys, 13 and 16, found dead after being swept away by strong currents in Sabah

KENINGAU, Aug 23 — The bodies of two teenage boys who tragically drowned after being swept away by strong currents in Sungai Pegalan, Kampung Bakti, were discovered today. According to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre, the body of 16-year-old Jasti Gomen was found at 10.34am, while the body of 13-year-old Khend Rommel Ponce Caceres was discovered later in the day at 3.55pm.

The victims were reported missing on the previous day after they fell into the river and were carried away by the strong currents while bathing with friends around 2.30pm. The first victim's body was found 50 meters from where he was swept away, while the second victim's body was located 80 meters downstream. The search and rescue operation, which initially began at 3.15pm, was suspended at 6pm due to adverse weather conditions and the setting sun.

On the following day, the SAR operation was divided into two search sectors, covering a three-kilometer stretch of the river surface, and included a specialized diving operation by five members of the Kuala Penyu PPDA. A total of 15 personnel from the JBPM, 7 from the PDRM, 13 from the Keningau Civil Defence Force, and 5 volunteers from the local group Galon Star participated in the operation. The bodies were subsequently handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police for further investigation.