SEMPORNA: A 66-year-old Chinese tourist died after losing consciousness while snorkelling with her family in the waters off Pom Pom Island here on Sunday.
OCPD Supt Tan Hiap Wah said the woman, who was from Yunnan, China, was snorkelling at about 12.30pm when she began feeling unwell and requested to be taken back to the boat.
“Upon reaching the boat, the victim was found unconscious.
“CPR was administered, but she did not respond and was subsequently taken to Semporna Hospital for further treatment,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Tan said medical personnel at the hospital’s Emergency Department later confirmed the woman’s death.
Preliminary investigations found that the victim had a history of asthma spanning about 10 years.
Police are investigating the incident as sudden death.
Tan also urged tourism operators to continuously prioritise the safety of tourists, particularly when conducting activities at sea.
Members of the public who witnessed the incident are urged to come forward at the nearest police station to assist with investigations.
They may also contact investigating officer ASP Mohammad Ali Amat at 013-212 0852. – James Leong
‘CPR was administered, but she did not respond and was subsequently taken to Semporna Hospital for further treatment’ – Tan
