KOTA TINGGI: A boy who was swept away by strong currents while swimming with his cousins at Pantai Tanjung Buluh in Tanjung Sedili was found dead.
Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tanjung Sedili Zone acting director Commander Maritime Mohd Najib Sam said the victim, identified as Putra Aniq Fairuz Mohd Faizul, 11, was found washed ashore not far from the scene at 10.26pm on Tuesday (Feb 17).
“Earlier, the Johor Baru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) received a distress call at 1.30pm regarding three individuals believed to be drowning while swimming at the beach.
“Two of the victims were rescued by local fishermen and members of the public at the scene,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 18).
He said a search and rescue (SAR) operation was immediately activated to locate the remaining missing victim.
“The operation involved the cooperation of multiple agencies, including the police, the Fire and Rescue Department and the Health Ministry.
“The operation was called off after the victim’s body was found and confirmed dead,” he said.
Mohd Najib stressed that the MMEA takes public safety at coastal areas seriously and advised the public not to swim or carry out any water activities during bad weather, strong waves or rough currents.
“The risk of drowning increases significantly when sea conditions are rough, especially without proper supervision and adequate safety equipment.
“I urge the public, particularly the maritime community to report any emergencies or incidents at sea to 999 or the nearest Maritime Malaysia Operations Centre for prompt and appropriate action,” he added.
Earlier, authorities launched a SAR operation to locate the 11-year-old boy who was swept away by strong currents while swimming with his two cousins at Pantai Tanjung Buluh in Tanjung Sedili.
Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Yusof Othman said police received information about the incident at 12.56pm on Feb 17.
