BUTTERWORTH: The body of a fireman, feared to have drowned after falling into Sungai Prai at the Fire and Rescue Department's jetty in Mak Mandin here yesterday, has been found after 19 hours of search.
The body of Mohd Izwan Illias, 42, was found about 5.30pm at the last location he was reported to have fallen within a 20m radius.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the discovery followed action to narrow the search as a result of lead from the tracker dogs.
"At the initial stage, the two tracker dogs showed signs (of the victim) within a radius of 50m from the location (where he was reported to have fallen).
"Based on that finding, in addition to reading the movement of the current in this morning's operation, we narrowed the search scope from one kilometre downstream to 500m upstream to a radius of 100m upstream to 300m downstream.
"Finally, after 19 hours of search, one of the rescuers found the victim's body and confirmation was made before raising it," he told newsmen at the scene.
Nor Hisham said the body was handed over to the police for further action.
"We extend our condolences to the victim's family members and thanked everyone involved in the operation," he added.
Elaborating, Nor Hisham said they classified Izwan's death as killed while carrying out his duties, and that a final ceremony of honor would be held as a sign of appreciation for his commitment throughout his service in the team.
Meanwhile, the victim's father, Illias Othman, 77, said he was grateful that his third son's body was found and accepted the painful loss.
"We accepted what happened and do not blame anyone because it is fated that my son returned to the side of his Creator.
"Thank you to everyone who worked hard to find my son," he said.
It was reported that Izwan, a member of the Underwater Rescue Team of the Butterworth fire and rescue station, had fallen into the river about 10pm yesterday while carrying out boat maintenance works.
