NABAWAN: Police have ruled out foul play in the death of a man who drowned during a water rafting activity at the Kabulongou Earth area in Sepulut, on Friday.
Keningau District Police Chief Superintendent Yampil Anak Garai said a physical examination of the victim conducted by a medical officer from the Nabawan Clinic found no injuries consistent with criminal acts.
According to him, based on statements from witnesses — including the victim’s elder brother and friends who were involved in the water rafting (kayaking) activity at Sungai Pampangon, Sepulut Pagalungan — the raft (kayak) they were on was hit by strong waves and fast currents, causing the victim and two others to be thrown off the raft.
He said one of the friends managed to get back onto the raft, while another was swept away by the strong current to the riverbank. The victim, however, was carried by the current into a rocky whirlpool.
“The victim’s brother and friends attempted to assist by throwing a rope, but the victim was swept away by the strong current. The victim’s brother then sought help from Fire and Rescue Department personnel who were at the Kabulongou recreational area.
“The firefighters assisted another victim who was stranded on the opposite side of the river and brought him safely to land, before continuing the search for the victim. The victim was later found in an unconscious state. Emergency assistance was administered but was unsuccessful,” Yampil said.
He added that the victim’s next of kin, his wife — a nurse at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I — confirmed that the deceased was her husband.
The victim was identified as Ramlie Mayasin, 40, a water rafting operator.
Meanwhile, the victim’s elder brother, aged 42, and three other friends aged 47, 36 and 28, were also water rafting operators.
