BY James Kon

A fishing trip along the Jalan Mulaut riverbank took a tragic turn on Tuesday evening, after a crocodile allegedly dragged a local male teenager into the river.

The victim’s lifeless body was discovered hours later, 1.5 kilometres away from the scene of the incident.

ASO Metusin bin Haji Menudin led four firefighters from the Jerudong Fire Station, while ABK 670 Amir Hassan bin Haji Bidin led five firefighters from the Rimba Fire Station Special Squad to the scene after the 6.04pm distress call was received, the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) said.

It was learnt that the victim and three friends had been net fishing by the riverbank. At one point, the net had got stuck. In an attempt to dislodge his net, the victim waded through the river, only to be snatched by the crocodile.

Firefighters, assisted by the public, immediately carried out search and rescue operations. At 9.45pm, the public found the victim’s body near Lubok Sigurun.

The body was handed over to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.

In light of the incident, which has gone viral, the FRD reminded the public to be on the alert when carrying out activities near the river, and to take note of whether crocodile warning signs are in place.

FRD also stated that unclean premises with rodent infestation are prone to attracting wild animals such as crocodiles and monitor lizards. Abandoned lawns may also become a nesting area.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin