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

Fire and rescue personnel recovered the bodies of two teenage boys who were swept away by strong currents in Sungai Pegalan at Kampung Bakti, Sabah. — Picture via Facebook/BombaKeningau

First Published: Sunday, 23 Aug 2026 7:23 PM MYT

KENINGAU, Aug 23 — Two teenage boys who were reported missing after being swept away by strong currents in Sungai Pegalan, Kampung Bakti here yesterday, were found dead today. 

The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre said the body of the first victim, Jasti Gomen, 16, was found at 10.34am, while the second victim, Khend Rommel Ponce Caceres, 13, was found at 3.55pm. 

“The body of the first victim was found by the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) 50 metres from the place he was reported to have been swept away, while the second victim was found 80 metres away,” the Sabah JBPM said in a statement today. 

The bodies of both victims were handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for further action before the search and rescue (SAR) operation was called off at 5pm. 

In the incident at about 2.30pm yesterday, both victims were reportedly bathing with their friends when they fell off the riverbank and were swept away by strong currents. 

JBPM received an emergency call at 3.15pm yesterday and launched an initial search before suspending the operation at 6pm due to weather conditions and fading daylight. 

The SAR operation resumed at 9am today and was divided into two search sectors, covering a three-kilometre stretch of the river surface, as well as a specialised diving operation conducted by five members of the Kuala Penyu PPDA, which began at 10.30am. 

A total of 15 JBPM personnel from the Keningau and Kuala Penyu Fire and Rescue Stations were deployed to the scene. 

The SAR operation also involved seven PDRM personnel, 13 Keningau Civil Defence Force personnel and five members of the local volunteer group Galon Star. — Bernama