Lahad Datu man missing after Tepadung cave trip to collect bird’s nests
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — A 61-year-old man has been reported missing after he went into the Tepadung cave in Lahad Datu to search for bird’s nests.
According to The Star, Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station chief Sumsoa Rashid said the victim, Ismail Ibrahim, was last seen by two friends who had entered the cave with him on Tuesday (May 26).
He said the trio initially entered the cave together to collect bird’s nests, but the two friends later left Ismail behind when they went out to look for water.
When they returned, Ismail was no longer at the location.
The two men searched for him but failed to locate him before alerting his family in Sandakan.
Firefighters received an emergency call at about 2.10pm on Sunday (May 31), after which a search and rescue operation was launched.
Sumsoa said the operation involved multiple agencies, including police, the Civil Defence Force, Rela, the Forestry Department and members of the public.
He said search teams focused initially on areas where the victim was last seen and other possible routes he may have taken.
On Monday (June 1), the search was expanded deeper into the cave system.
Rescuers later found a power bank believed to belong to the victim, but there was still no sign of him.
Sumsoa said teams also discovered a new tunnel inside the cave which had not been explored before.
He added that rescuers would enter the passage after additional safety preparations were made.
