A swimming outing by four teenagers at Sungai Paka near Kampung Beril turned into a tragedy after two of them were feared drowned in an incident at about 11am today.
The victims have been identified as Mohamad Amir Ashraf Mohd Zulnaidi, 15, and Mohd Aidil Amsar Mohd Zulnaidi, 14. Both are students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Durian Guling, Marang and SMK Paka, Dungun respectively.
According to initial reports from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), an emergency call was received at 11.19am, with firefighters from the Paka Fire and Rescue Station arriving at the scene six minutes later.
Paka Fire and Rescue Station operations commander, Supt Bomba Mohd Rizuan Ramli, said the incident involved four teenage boys who had gone to the river for a swim at about 10.30am.
He said two of the teenagers managed to save themselves, while the remaining two were reported missing in the river.
The two survivors were identified as Mohd Farish Iqbal Cik Mohana Runasdi, 14, and Mohd Afi Naashif Adli Noone, 15.
A search and rescue (SAR) operation involving 15 firefighters from the Paka station, assisted by the Kerteh Fire and Rescue Station and the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) from Chukai, was immediately launched.
Firefighters conducted surface searches along the riverbanks, while divers were also deployed to locate the missing victims.
As of now, the SAR operation is still ongoing, and further updates will be provided from time to time.
