TEMERLOH: A swimming outing turned tragic when two cousins were swept away by strong currents in Sungai Pahang at Kampung Loyang near Sanggang, here, today.
The victims were identified as Mohd Hakim Faqih Norazmi, 16, from Kampung Desa Murni and eight-year-old Mohammad Naufal Farhan Mohd Azrul from Kampung Loyang Sanggang.
The duo, along with three others had earlier travelled from Hakim Faqih's house to the river about 4.15pm.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Yusri Othman said the two victims and their relatives were bathing in the river when Naufal Farhan suddenly faced difficulties in the water.
"Hakim Faqih tried to swim towards Naufal and pull him to safety but instead was also swept away by the strong current. Some villagers near the riverbank jumped into the water and tried to locate the victims but failed.
"The police were alerted about 4.50pm before a search and rescue operations involving firemen, Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel and policemen were mounted. The operations was called off about 7.30pm after the sky turned dark and will resume tomorrow," he said in a statement today.
He said investigations revealed the others who had joined the duo at the river was Hakim Faqih's 19-year-old sister, Naufal Farhan's 10-year-old sister and their 36-year-old uncle.
Meanwhile, a Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said six Water Rescue Team (PPDA) members were assisting at the scene along with villagers on three boats but they could not locate the missing duo.
He said SAR operations will resume Monday morning
