A ONE-YEAR-OLD boy died while nine others managed to swim to safety after the passenger boat they were in capsized off Kota Belud today.

Kota Belud fire and rescue station chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun said in the 1.05pm incident, Muhammad Hayrul Sufyan Fian was found by villagers in Kampung Rampaian Laut before being pronounced dead by a medical officer.

He said the station received an emergency call at 2.22pm before dispatching a rescue team to the scene.

“It is learnt that the passengers were visiting relatives in Pulau Mantanani. However, on their return journey, the boat capsized,” he said.

In a statement, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department operations centre said the 10 people – four men, three women and three children – were travelling from Pulau Mantanani to Kampung Rampaian Laut in Kota Belud when the incident happened.

It said the body of the boy was handed over to the police and the rescue operation was called off at 4.15pm. – Bernama, October 9, 2022.