Chinese tourist drowns while diving off Sipadan

SEMPORNA, March 6 — A male tourist from China drowned while diving in Barracuda Point off Pulau Sipadan here yesterday.

District police chief Supt Peter Umbuas said the victim had been identified as Ng Chi Ming aged 53 years. 

He said the victim was among 11 tourists who had gone diving in the area at 6.44am.

“Ten minutes later, the diving master aged 26 realised that one of them was missing and searched the area for 45 minutes before seeking assistance from Sabah parks,” he said in a statement here today.

He said the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) was also involved in the   search and rescue operation.

Peter said the victim’s body was recovered at 8.55am and sent to Semporna Hospital. — Bernama