Five Stranded Surveyors Rescued In Kota Belud After River Currents Trap Team Overnight

KUALA LUMPUR,MAY,2026 – Five land surveyors were rescued after being stranded overnight across a river in Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, following swift currents that made it unsafe for them to return.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the five men were conducting land surveying work in the area. According to reports, they were unable to cross back after the river current became too strong, leaving them trapped on the opposite side and forcing an emergency rescue operation to be launched.

The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 4.48pm on Wednesday, prompting a team from the Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station to be deployed to the scene. The location was about 35 kilometres from the station, making the response more challenging due to distance and terrain conditions.

A total of eight firefighters were involved in the operation. The rescue team used several assets, including a Fire Rescue Tender, an Emergency Medical Rescue Services vehicle, and a Toyota Vigo four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach as close as possible to the location.

Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station chief Elge Bakuk said the firefighters arrived at the main road near the area at 6.33pm. However, they could not reach the stranded victims directly by vehicle and had to continue the journey on foot.

From there, the rescue team trekked about five kilometres through jungle and along the riverbank to locate the victims. The route was difficult, with firefighters having to move through steep, hilly and uneven terrain while operating in darkness.

The operation became more challenging because the area had no Government Integrated Radio Network coverage and no mobile phone reception. This made communication between rescuers difficult throughout the mission, especially as they moved deeper into the jungle and riverbank area.

Adding to the difficulty, the firefighters’ torches eventually ran out of battery while the operation was being carried out in the dark. Despite the lack of lighting and limited communication, the team continued the search and managed to locate the five stranded men at about 12.45am.

After finding the victims, firefighters had to carefully guide them out through the same difficult route. The process required caution because the terrain remained steep and slippery, while the river current still posed a safety risk.

All five victims were successfully escorted to a safe area at 5.50am on Thursday. The rescue operation was officially called off at 9.20am after authorities confirmed that all victims had been brought out safely.

No injuries were reported in the available updates, but the incident showed how quickly fieldwork in remote areas can turn dangerous when weather, terrain and river conditions change.

The case also highlights the risks faced by surveyors, technical workers and field teams operating in rural or forested areas. In locations such as Kampung Melangkap, workers may need to cross rivers, walk through jungle paths and depend on limited communication tools while carrying out their duties.

For emergency responders, the operation demonstrated the difficulties of rural rescue missions in Sabah. Unlike urban rescue cases where access roads, lighting and mobile coverage are usually available, operations in interior areas often require firefighters to rely on physical endurance, local route knowledge and manual coordination.

The lack of communication coverage was one of the main challenges in this case. Without mobile signal or radio network coverage, rescue teams had limited ability to update their position or request immediate support while moving through difficult terrain.

The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation for teams working in remote areas. Field workers are advised to carry backup lighting, extra batteries, emergency food and water, first-aid supplies, ropes, waterproof bags and communication equipment where possible.

Teams working near rivers should also monitor weather conditions closely, especially during or after rainfall. River levels can rise quickly, and currents may become stronger within a short period, making crossings dangerous even for those familiar with the area.

The successful rescue in Kota Belud reflects the commitment of firefighters who continued the mission despite darkness, difficult terrain, weak communication and equipment challenges.

Although the five surveyors were eventually brought out safely, the case stands as a strong reminder that remote fieldwork requires careful planning, especially in areas with rivers, jungle terrain and limited access to emergency communication.