Pantai Tanjung Lompat Incident: Friends Go Missing While Trying To Save Drowning Teen

KOTA TINGGI, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Muhammad Thaqif Rayyan Rumainoor, 16, one of four teenagers feared drowned at Pantai Tanjung Lompat in Bandar Penawar here this morning, was seen struggling to stay afloat before several of his friends rushed to help him.

A 16-year-old friend of Muhammad Thaqif, who declined to be named, said the incident happened swiftly while they were swimming along the shoreline before the teenager moved to an area slightly further away that was believed to be deeper.

"This morning, we went for a quick dip. Then Thaqif went to swim in an area a bit further away from us. When we called him, he seemed not to hear. We just left it, but when we looked back, we saw he was already struggling to stay afloat.

"We immediately asked for help. About five people went to assist, but more of them ended up drowning as well," he said when met at the scene today.

He said all 16 of them had gone camping with a group of friends from Felda Bukit Waha since yesterday and the activity marked the first time they had gathered in such large numbers.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Thaqif's father, Rumainoor Salleh, 47, said he had accepted any possibility but still hoped his youngest son would be found.

"Hopes are indeed high for him to be found safe, but we accept whatever happens with submission and sincerity. If he is truly gone, having his body returned to us is already something to be thankful for," he said.

Rumainoor said he received news of the incident at about 8.10 am after finding that his son was not at home and his phone calls went unanswered.

He said he was unaware that Muhammad Thaqif had gone out with friends the previous night as he was working and returned late.

The victim's sister, Nur Adriana Dania, 24, also hoped the search and rescue (SAR) operation would find her brother as soon as possible, even if he was lifeless.

"My hope is that even if my brother is no longer alive, he will be found quickly. I just hope he surfaces soon," she said tearfully.

Nur Adriana said she did not know her brother had gone camping at Pantai Tanjung Lompat and was only informed of the incident by one of Muhammad Thaqif's friends at about 7.30 am.

She said they shared a very close bond as she had been taking care of Muhammad Thaqif since their mother passed away in 2021.

Earlier, six teenagers were reported to have drowned while swimming at the beach at about 7.45 am. Two were rescued by members of the public, while four others were reported missing.

One of the four missing victims was found at about 1.25 pm, about 800 metres from the location where they were reported missing.

The discovery leaves three victims still missing as the search and rescue operation continues, involving various agencies.

-- BERNAMA