KOTA KINABALU, Sept 19 — The body of a Sabah Electricity worker who was swept away by strong currents while on duty in Apin-Apin, Keningau two days ago was found yesterday evening by a volunteer group.

According to Sabah Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Pisar Aziz, Masdeh Rasmin, 35, was found at 6.18pm yesterday in Sungai Kampung Liau Laut, about 21 kilometres from where he was swept away.

Masdeh’s body was recovered by a group of local volunteers calling themselves Team Gallon Star, known for using two empty plastic gallon bottles tied to a stick as makeshift floaters to brave the swollen river.

“Today’s search focused on the Kampung Linsudan area, after the discovery of the victim’s shoe along the riverbank. The distance from where he went missing to Kampung Linsudan is about 21 kilometres,” Mohd Pisar said in a statement.

The tragedy occurred when Masdeh and two colleagues were swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross a bridge on their way to restore electricity supply in Kampung Nuntunan, Apin-Apin.

His colleagues managed to save themselves, but Masdeh was pulled away by the strong currents.

The victim was wearing a Sabah Electricity vest and was sighted in Sungai Kepayan, but rescuers could not reach him.