KOTA MARUDU: The mother in her 20s who drowned while crossing the Boborut River, Kg Bombbong, in a Toyota Hilux last Wednesday and still missing eight-year-old daughter have been identified as Elena Basir and Angelina Kardin.
The vehicle containing the foreigners working for an oil palm plantation failed to overcome the strong currents. Elena’s body was recovered in the Nibang River, Pitas, about 70km away.
Elena’s husband, 40-year-old Kardin Bryan, who was also in the vehicle survived. Kota Marudu District Police Chief Supt Simiun Lomudin said the vehicle was carrying the family and about 10 other plantation workers when it was swept at around 11.30pm, Wednesday.
He said preliminary investigations revealed it was raining heavily on the day of the incident, making the river, which is without a concrete bridge and commonly used for crossings, dangerous due to the strong currents.
“According to witnesses, the passengers had gone to a colleague’s house to attend a wedding.
“On their way home, the Boborut River had strong and deep currents but the driver still attempted to drive across.
“Witnesses also said all were under the influence of alcohol. The engine stalled in the middle of the river, causing it to be swept away,” Simiun said.
He added that the passengers tried to escape, with Kardin seen carrying his youngest child while Angelina reportedly jumped to save herself, while Elena tried to rescue her daughter, but both were swept away by the current.
Simiun said search and rescue (SAR) operations are ongoing to locate Angelina, involving the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, and the Civil Defense Force (APM), with help from local villagers.
The vehicle containing the foreigners working for an oil palm plantation failed to overcome the strong currents. Elena’s body was recovered in the Nibang River, Pitas, about 70km away.
Elena’s husband, 40-year-old Kardin Bryan, who was also in the vehicle survived. Kota Marudu District Police Chief Supt Simiun Lomudin said the vehicle was carrying the family and about 10 other plantation workers when it was swept at around 11.30pm, Wednesday.
He said preliminary investigations revealed it was raining heavily on the day of the incident, making the river, which is without a concrete bridge and commonly used for crossings, dangerous due to the strong currents.
“According to witnesses, the passengers had gone to a colleague’s house to attend a wedding.
“On their way home, the Boborut River had strong and deep currents but the driver still attempted to drive across.
“Witnesses also said all were under the influence of alcohol. The engine stalled in the middle of the river, causing it to be swept away,” Simiun said.
He added that the passengers tried to escape, with Kardin seen carrying his youngest child while Angelina reportedly jumped to save herself, while Elena tried to rescue her daughter, but both were swept away by the current.
Simiun said search and rescue (SAR) operations are ongoing to locate Angelina, involving the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, and the Civil Defense Force (APM), with help from local villagers.