| James Kon |
THE bodies of the two youths who went missing at the Meragang Beach on Saturday, were found yesterday.
The body of the 16-year-old was found in the morning and the body of the 20-year-old later at night.
According to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Marine Police found one body at around 6.28am about 800 metres away from the scene of the incident, during a search-and-rescue mission between Meragang Beach and Tanjong Batu. The body of the other youth was found at the beach between Tanjong Batu and Meragang Beach at 9.41pm, the RBPF said.
The bodies handed over to the police were transported to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital for autopsy.
The Fire and Rescue Department and the Marine Police earlier scoured the shoreline, despite the strong sea currents and bouts of unpredictable weather in search of the 20-year-old. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) also deployed a helicopter to locate the victim.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, members of the Beach Bunch and the Brunei Jet Sports Association (BJSA) also participated in the search, covering two kilometres in the east and west areas of the beach.
The Fire and Rescue Department yesterday issuing a statement reminded the public to follow weather updates, and to refrain from all beach activities in unstable atmospheric conditions.
The public was also advised not to attempt a swimming rescue, without the use of a lifejacket or buoy.
Beach Bunch President, Rizan Latif, who also participated in the search, reiterated the danger of rip currents, which are frequent occurrence at beaches across the country.
He said, “A rip current is powerful current of water moving away from the shore. Even the strongest swimmer can be pulled out to sea. To escape from a rip current, swim parallel to the shore. Do not fight the current, and try swim out of it to the shore.”
In early 2017, the Beach Bunch put up several warning signs, to remind beachgoers on the danger of rip currents.
The sign at Meragang Beach was missing, however.
Rizan Latif is hoping to meet and work together with members of the National Beach Safety Taskforce, on the issue at hand.
Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd also joined in the search and rescue operation.
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