KOTA KINABALU: A 66-year-old female tourist from China died after losing consciousness while snorkelling in the waters off Pom Pom Island in Semporna on Sunday (Oct 4).
Semporna district police chief, Supt Tan Hiap Wah, said the victim, who was from Yunnan, was carrying out the activity with her family members when the incident happened at about 12.30pm.
He said preliminary investigations found that the victim had complained of feeling unwell before requesting to be taken back onto the boat.
“However, once on board, the victim was found unconscious and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered.
“There was no response from the victim before she was taken to Semporna Hospital for further medical treatment,” he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 5).
Supt Tan said doctors at the Emergency Ward of Semporna Hospital later confirmed the victim's death.
The victim had a history of asthma for about 10 years, he added.
“Police are conducting further investigations into the incident,” he said.
Tan advised tourism operators to always prioritise the safety of tourists, especially during water-based recreational activities.
He also urged witnesses with information related to the incident to come forward to the nearest police station to assist in the investigation.
“Information related to the incident can be channelled to the Investigating Officer, Assistant Superintendent Mohammad Ali Amat, at 013-2120852,” he said.
