KOTA KINABALU: A 37-year-old Chinese tourist drowned during a diving trip off Sipadan Island in Semporna on Monday morning.
Semporna Police Chief Supt Mohd Sabri Zainol said the incident occurred around 10.45am.
He said the victim, part of a group of eight foreign divers accompanied by five guides, jumped into the sea without instruction from his dive guide.
"The victim was later seen panicking and sinking, prompting a rescue effort.
"A dive crew retrieved him from a depth of about 25m and performed emergency resuscitation onboard.
"The victim was unconscious, barely breathing, and vomited several times.
"He was rushed to Semporna Hospital before being transferred to Tawau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead," he said.
The group had been diving at a site near Sipadan Island, a popular destination known for its marine biodiversity.
The case has been classified as sudden death. A post-mortem is scheduled today (May 20).
Police are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Asst Supt Mohammad Ali Amat at 013-2120852 or go to the nearest police station.
