DUNGUN, Terengganu: A family outing on New Year’s Day turned tragic after one family member drowned and another went missing at Pantai Sura Tengah here today.
Dungun District Police Chief, Supt Maizura Abdul Kadir, said Nor Baizura Shafie, 39, drowned while her brother, Mohd Fazir, 37, went missing while on a picnic with 13 other family members at the beach.
“During the incident, Nor Baizura was believed to be drowning when she was in the water and her brother, Mohd Fazir, tried to safe her but failed.
“Both victims were said to have drifted before sinking below the surface,” she told reporters at the location of the incident today.
Nor Baizura’s body was found at 10:54 am by rescuers and was sent to Dungun Hospital for further action.
Meanwhile, Dungun Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Asst Snr Fire Supt Shahrizal Shamsudin, said 10 firefighters were rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call at 10:27 am, and the first victim was found 25 minutes later.
“Rescuers faced difficulties due to big waves and strong currents before the woman was found and brought to shore,” he said, adding that the search for the remaining victim was ongoing. – BERNAMA
