A joyful afternoon of swimming at Pantai Puteri turned tragic on Wednesday when one of three 12-year-old boys drowned.
The boys—Mohd Azrill Dis Abdul Hai, Mohd Zakuan Nazran, and Mohd Wafiy Adrian Zafran Mohd Ridzuan—are believed to have arrived at the beach by bicycle. Mohd Wafiy Adrian Zafran was later found drowned around 6:30 p.m.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Deputy Director of Operations, Senior Fire Officer II Mohd Shahrom Laji, said the Operations Response Team (PKO) arrived at the scene at 6:44 p.m. after receiving an emergency call.
“The search and rescue (SAR) operation began immediately with 44 personnel from various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Ministry of Health (KKM), Rela, and local fishermen assisting,” he said.
The initial search involved fishing boats, followed by two dives by the Central Melaka Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) within a 15-meter radius of the last known location. The operation faced challenges due to poor visibility at night and strong currents.
“At 9 p.m., we coordinated with all involved agencies and used a trawl net method with the help of local fishermen. Thankfully, at 9:40 p.m., the victim was found about 150 meters from the shore and 1.5 meters deep, then handed over to the police for further action,” Mohd Shahrom said.
The boy’s body was later sent to Melaka Hospital for post-mortem examination. Earlier reports from Sinar Harian noted that one boy was feared drowned while the other two survived the incident at Pantai Puteri, Tanjung Kling.
