TUARAN: A family picnic at Sabandar beach in conjunction with the National Day public holiday turned to tragedy today when a teenage boy drowned after going missing while swimming.
The 15-year-old was found at 7.05pm by members of the public who were helping with the search and rescue (SAR) operation.
Tuaran Fire and Rescue Department (BBP) chief Mohamad Nor Amit said the victim was found on the beach, about one kilometre from where he was reported missing.
“He was pronounced dead by a Health Ministry medical officer before his body was handed over to the police for further action,” he said.
A SAR operation was launched after the fire department received an emergency call at 5.23pm about the missing teenager.
A total of 14 firefighters, including from the Kota Kinabalu Water Rescue Team (PPDA) and six vehicles, a boat, and an Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) utility vehicle were involved in the SAR operation. The operation was also assisted by the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), police, and nearby villagers.
The SAR operation was called off at 7.50pm, he said.
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