A 15-year-old boy is feared drowned after being swept away by strong waves while swimming with family members at Pantai Batu Linting, Kuala Penyu, on Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 5pm when Jason Alexander Jonathan from Kampung Kiaulu, Tuaran, was suddenly pulled out to sea by strong currents during a family outing.
Beaufort district police chief Superintendent Champin Piuh said the teenager was in the water with relatives when the current unexpectedly intensified and dragged him towards deeper waters.
He added that the victim’s younger sibling attempted to rescue him but was unsuccessful before Jason disappeared into the sea.
The sibling involved in the incident also sustained injuries and was later sent to Kuala Penyu Hospital for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that a search and rescue (SAR) operation is ongoing involving police, the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force personnel, villagers and fishermen.
Kuala Penyu Fire and Rescue Station chief Zulhalim Abdin said nine firefighters were deployed to the scene after an emergency call was received at 5.22pm.
He said another child, aged 13, was successfully rescued by family members, while Jason has yet to be located.
Search efforts are being carried out along the coastline using surface water search methods, but strong waves have made operations challenging.
As of now, the teenager remains missing and SAR operations continue.
