A 65-year-old Indian tourist drowned after she reportedly fell from a boat while returning from a scuba diving activity in the waters of Renggis, Pulau Tioman, Rompin on September 12, 2026.
The victim, identified as Sabiya Shiek, was taking part in a discovery scuba diving session with six family members, accompanied by two instructors and a dive master, according to Rompin district police chief Supt Shariff Shai Shariff Mondol.
Fell Into The Sea While Boarding Boat
Police said Sabiya had informed one of the instructors that she wanted to return to the boat after completing the diving activity. Her child then helped her remove her diving equipment before she attempted to climb the boat’s ladder.
However, she is believed to have slipped while climbing the ladder and fell back into the sea. The diving instructors immediately began searching for her and located her about 15 minutes later, unconscious on a sandy seabed near the diving area.
Pronounced Dead At Tioman Health Clinic
Sabiya was brought to the Tekek Health Clinic on Pulau Tioman, where a medical officer later pronounced her dead.
Her body was subsequently taken to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan for a post-mortem examination. Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of safety precautions during water-based recreational activities, particularly when getting in and out of boats after diving.
Source: MalayMail
