KOTA TINGGI: Authorities have launched a search and rescue operation to locate an 11-year-old boy who was swept away by strong currents while swimming with his two cousins at Pantai Tanjung Buluh in Tanjung Sedili here.
Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Yusof Othman said police received information about the incident at 12.56pm on Monday (Feb 17).
He added acting on the report, a team of officers from the Kuala Sedili police station was dispatched to the scene to provide initial assistance.
Initial investigations found that the three boys, who are related, had gone to the beach with other family members.
"At the time of the incident, the three boys entered the water to swim before they were swept away by sea currents," he said here on Tuesday (Feb 17).
Supt Yusof added two of the victims, aged 11 and 16, who are siblings, were rescued by members of the public and fishermen at the location.
"However, their 11-year-old cousin has yet to be found. The two rescued victims were taken to the Tanjung Sedili Health Clinic for treatment," he said.
Supt Yusof also said a control post has been set up to coordinate the operation involving the Kota Tinggi district police, the Bandar Penawar Fire and Rescue Station and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in Tanjung Sedili.
He advised members of the public planning to visit beaches for recreational activities to remain alert to their surroundings and take precautionary measures, including wearing life jackets.
"Parents who bring children to the beach are advised to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of their family members," he added.
