KUCHING, Feb 11 — A 16-year-old boy died while his 17-year-old friend is feared drowned after they were swept by strong currents while swimming in a river near Rumah Panjang Batu Lintang in Betong around 3.50pm today.

The 16-year-old was managed to be rescued while the 17-year-old was swept away by the string current.

Efforts to resuscitate the 16-year-old however failed and he was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

Rescuers are currently carrying out a search-and-rescue operation to find the missing 17-year-old near where he was last seen. — Borneo Post