Helicopter joins search for three school children missing after boat capsizes in Malaysia

Authorities are searching for three schoolchildren who went missing after their boat capsized in a river.

Helena Fasha Petrus, 17, Alsma Jithil, 14, and Vilkie Wilson, 15, were riding the allegedly overloaded ferry to school when it overturned in the middle of the Sungai Kayan river in Sarawak state, Malaysia, on August 20.

Some of the youngsters survived by clinging onto wooden planks. However, the three children were swept away by rising tides and disappeared.

The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said they received a report on the incident at 6:33am local time.

Bomba said in a statement: 'According to preliminary information, the boat, which carried about 10 to 20 students sank around 6.10am today. The latest report showed that 15 students have been rescued.'

Bomba officers added in later reports that there were 16 pupils onboard.

One of the survivors, Alfiyana Recha, 13, said the vessel began taking on water as it reached the middle of the river.

She said: 'There were those who attempted to save themselves, and I was also pulled into the river and was pulled by the current. Eventually, myself and three other students found a wooden plank and we held on to it. Not long after, the villagers saw us and rescued us.'

Louis Josp, 53, a hero passer-by who fearlessly plunged into the river to rescue the kids, said he was waiting near the village jetty when he heard screaming.

He said: 'Without thinking, I jumped into the river. I swam and saved one victim, then realised there were many more. Fortunately, I found an unlocked boat, pushed it into the water, and rowed to where the children were. I told them not to panic and to cling to the boat.'

Officials believe the boat sank due to overcapacity as it was also said to have been carrying four adults and a two-wheeler.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said: 'It is understood that apart from the passengers, the boat was also ferrying a motorcycle, so I have directed for a detailed investigation to be carried out.'

A helicopter team has been dispatched to aid in the search for the missing pupils.

Operations commander Joseph Diea said on August 20: 'So far, we have had no success in finding them, but we continue our efforts. Standing down for today depends on weather conditions.'