KOTA KINABALU: One of the two victims who fell off their boat in Tenom district on Wednesday (Sept 22) afternoon has been found.

       The body of Melvin Junaidi, 12, was discovered by villagers at about 4.45pm as the search operation entered its second day on Thursday (Sept 23).

       State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations, Misran Bisara said the remaining victim Joseph Sayah, 55, was still not found.

       He said Melvin’s body was discovered at Sg Padas Batu 60, Beaufort, about 5km from where he was last seen.

       The body was taken back for identification before it was handed over to the police for further action, he said.

       Search operations were put on hold in the evening and to be continued on Friday (Sept 24).

       Earlier, Misran said their search and rescue at Kg Kalandos Pangi started at around 8am, together with villagers.

       He said a cadaver dog was also used to help locate the victims, who are believed to have drowned following the boat capsize incident.

       In the Wednesday incident, the two victims together with two others had just finished grocery shopping in the Tenom town and were on their way home via the Padas river.

       They were on a sampan when strong waves hit, overturning the boat.

       Two of them managed to swim to the riverbank while the victims were swept away by strong river currents.

       Firemen received a call about the incident at 4.13pm.

       There is no other way to reach the accident location apart from taking an hour-long train ride and then walking to the river.