TAWAU: A river outing among 13 youths ended in tragedy when a 19-year-old local drowned after sudden strong currents swept through a tagal area at Kampung Kijang Merotai Besar on Monday morning.
Acting district police chief Supt Wilynton Enchana Watt said initial investigations revealed the victim was bathing with six friends around 9.30am while others prepared food nearby when the river current abruptly intensified.
While the six friends managed to reach the riverbank safely, the victim was unable to follow and was seen submerging into the water.
A local tagal caretaker retrieved the unconscious victim from the riverbed, but attending medical officers at the Merotai Besar Health Clinic subsequently pronounced him dead.
Police have classified the incident as sudden death after physical examinations revealed no foul play, while urging witnesses to contact investigating officer SM Fredolen Biin at 019-8136953 to assist ongoing documentation.
