KUCHING, Feb 2 — A man was killed while his friend survived when the boat they were in capsized after being hit by big waves in the waters off Kampung Bako near here today.

A Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department Operation Movement Centre spokesman said Shadan Jemi, 56, and Bidin Nerawi, 58, were returning home from the Bako National Park where they were working.

He said the department received the distress call about 5.01pm before a team of firemen from the Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched to the location.

"Both victims were already rescued by the public by the time the fire personnel arrived at the Kampung Bako boat terminal but Shadan was found unconscious.

"He was taken to the Sarawak General Hospital for further treatment but was later pronounced dead,” said the spokesman in a statement here. — Bernama