German tourist dies during snorkelling trip off Lahad Datu

 The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency says CPR was administered to the 78-year-old by a friend before he was pronounced dead in hospital.

MMEA said German tourist Kenneth Ray Crouse had been snorkelling in Pulau Sakar waters off Lahad Datu, Sabah, on Monday morning. (MMEA pic)

LAHAD DATU:

A German tourist died after collapsing while snorkelling in Pulau Sakar waters here this morning.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Lahad Datu director Dzulfikhar Ali said Kenneth Ray Crouse, 78, was pronounced dead at Lahad Datu Hospital.

“The Lahad Datu maritime zone operations centre launched a medical evacuation operation after receiving information about the incident at 11.20am,” he said in a statement.

“The victim was assisted with cardiopulmonary resuscitation by his friend before a patrol boat transported him to the fisheries department’s jetty.

“He was pronounced dead at the hospital.”

Dzulfikhar advised the public to prioritise safety when carrying out activities at sea.

He said the public may contact the Lahad Datu maritime zone operations centre through WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or the MERS 999 emergency line for immediate assistance. - FMT