Seven stranded by rising tide at Pantai Trombol safely rescued

KUCHING (Dec 6): All seven men who were stranded after being cut off by the rising tide during a beach outing at Pantai Trombol earlier have been safely rescued by firefighters.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said it received an emergency call at 4.23pm reporting that a group of men had become trapped after seawater submerged the access route to the beach.

According to the department, the victims had arrived at the location on four motorcycles for a swim but were unaware that the tide had risen, cutting off their exit.

A rescue team comprising nine firefighters from the Petra Jaya station was dispatched to the scene.

“Upon arrival, the team found that the access road to the victims’ location had been flooded and was impassable to vehicles,” Bomba said in a statement.

The operation commander maintained contact with the victims by phone to monitor their condition and advised them to move to higher ground while awaiting assistance.

Two of the men managed to make their way out safely at around 6.14pm, while the remaining five were still stranded.

Firefighters continued the rescue operation and eventually reached the remaining victims.

“All five victims, along with their motorcycles, were escorted out after the water receded. No injuries were reported,” the department added.

The operation concluded at 8.31pm.