A 15-year-old girl drowned while her friend survived after the two were believed to have been swept away by strong waves while bathing at Tanjung Badak Beach on Saturday afternoon.
The two teenagers were reported missing at sea before being located during a search and rescue (SAR) operation. One was found struggling in the water, while the other was discovered floating nearby.
Tuaran Fire and Rescue Station chief Kurong Ak Beki said the department received an emergency call about the incident at 3.59pm.
He said 11 firefighters were immediately deployed to the location, which is about 23 kilometres from the Tuaran Fire and Rescue Station.
“Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre received an emergency call informing that two teenage girls were feared missing while having a picnic and bathing at the beach.
“Initial information indicated that one victim had been found struggling in the water, while the second was later located floating during the SAR operation,” he said.
The surviving teenager received initial treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital for further medical attention.
Meanwhile, the second victim was brought to a safe area and given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, medical personnel later confirmed that she had died at the scene.
Her body was subsequently handed over to police for further action.
Kurong said the SAR operation was fully concluded at 6.07pm after authorities confirmed that the area was safe.
