SIBU: Authorities fear a motorist has drowned after a four-wheel drive vehicle (4WD) he was driving overshot a ferry at Batang Lassa in Daro and plunged into the river on Friday (Aug 13).

       The state Fire and Rescue Services Department said it received a distress call from a ferry user at about 4.45am concerning a 4WD that plunged into the water after breaking the metal barrier of the ferry.

       "An eyewitness said the ferry had just reached the ramp from the opposite side of the river when the vehicle lost control in its attempt to drive up the ramp," the department said in its daily updates.

       Before plunging into the river, the 4WD rammed into the metal barrier on the right side of the ferry, which gave way.

       The Daro Fire and Rescue Service Department immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation to look for the victim, who is believed to have been alone in the vehicle.

       They were assisted by three boats from a timber company.