Chinese tourist drowns during Malaysian diving trip

A frantic rescue effort unfolded after the 37-year-old reportedly entered the water without his guide’s permission

A 37-year-old Chinese tourist drowned during a diving trip to Malaysia’s Sipadan Island on Monday.

The man, whose name has not been released, was part of a group of eight divers of various nationalities, accompanied by four guides and a boatman. The accident unfolded at around 10.45am, according to Superintendent Mohd Sabri Zainol of the Semporna police.

“The call was from one of the dive masters, who informed us that he and four other guides had brought with them a total of eight divers of various nationalities to the dive site,” Sabri said in a statement.

The victim reportedly jumped into the water without his guide’s permission and began to sink. Noticing the man’s distress, the boatman immediately alerted the crew, sparking a frantic rescue effort.

Divers located the man at a depth of 25 metres (82 feet) and brought him to the surface, where they attempted emergency resuscitation.

“The victim remained unconscious, was barely breathing and vomited a few times,” Sabri said.

Despite the crew’s efforts, the man’s condition did not improve. He was rushed to Semporna Hospital for initial treatment and later transferred to Tawau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“We have classified this case as sudden death, and a postmortem will be conducted on Tuesday afternoon,” Sabri added.

This article was first published by The Star