KUANTAN: A woman has died while diving in the waters off Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman.
Rompin police chief Supt Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi said the 31-year-old victim, Heng Jing Ying, a Malaysian, was taking part in the 'Aware Coral' activity organised by Tioman Dive Buddy Centre, Kampung Genting, from July 17 to 18.
He said on July 19, the victim, together with nine other participants, an instructor and a dive master, joined a fun dive at Seafan, Batu Malang, Pulau Tulai.
"Before the dive, participants were briefed on safety procedures and equipment usage, although they were licensed divers," he said in a statement on Wednesday (July 22).
Sharif Shai said the victim was separated from the group at a depth of 17.6m, leading the instructor to conduct a search.
"After almost 30 minutes, the victim was found on the sandy seabed not far from the dive site," he said.
He said the victim was given CPR after being brought onto the boat but showed no response.
She was brought to the Kampung Tekek Clinic, where she was pronounced dead.
Her body was later sent to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) for a post-mortem examination.
Sharif Shai said the post-mortem found that she died from arterial gas embolism (AGE), a condition where gas or air bubbles enter the arterial bloodstream.
Police investigations found no criminal elements involved and the case was classified as sudden death. – Bernama
