JULAU: The body of a retired teacher who was reported missing while setting a fishing net with another friend was found at 11.26am yesterday.

Bintangor Fire and Rescue Station (Bomba) chief Nicholas Belulin said the body, identified as that of Arim Badok, 70, was found floating by the local villagers.

“The body was found by villagers who participated in a search and rescue (SAR) operation, about 2km from the Bomba control post,” he told reporters.

He said the body was later handed over to the police for further action.

Earlier, on Tuesday afternoon, the man (deceased) together and a friend, 71, were setting a fishing net in Sungai Kanowit. The deceased was clinging to a bucket, according to his friend, some 30 meters away due to the strong river current, and disappeared.

The friend tried to look for him but failed.

He then immediately alerted the authorities about the incident which happened about 6.30pm.

According to Nicholas, the SAR operation was activated immediately after the report was made.

“Following the discovery, the SAR operation, which entered the third day yesterday, was called off at 12.20pm,” he said.

Also involved in the SAR operation were the police, Civil Defence Force and local villagers.