Chinese tourist drowns snorkelling off Mengalum Island

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 23): A female Chinese tourist drowned while snorkelling off Mengalum Island here today.

Kota Kinabalu police chief ACP Shahrudin Mat Husain said the victim, in her 30s, was among 17 tourists who travelled by boat to the island for the activity.

“Police received information on the incident at about 1.30pm. Initial information indicated the victim drowned while snorkelling in waters about 1.5 metres deep.

“She had been in the water for about 15 minutes when a boat crew member monitoring the tourists noticed her floating unconscious,” he said.

He said the victim was brought ashore and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, but she did not respond.

“She was later pronounced dead by a medical officer. Police forensic personnel examined the scene and found no indication of foul play,” he added.

Shahrudin said police also recorded statements from witnesses and took photographs at the scene to assist investigations.

The case has been classified as sudden death.

The victim was understood to have arrived in Sabah under a tour package before joining the group for the snorkelling activity at Mengalum Island.