Dutch tourist dies while caving at Taman Negara

 

The 33-year-old Dutch tourist was in a group of 16 who were taking part in a caving activity at Gua Kepayang. (Malaysia Airlines pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A Dutch woman died during a group caving activity at Gua Kepayang in Taman Negara, Pahang, yesterday.

Catharina Maria Meijs Pommelien, 33, was reportedly found unconscious six hours into the activity, said Pahang fire and rescue director Razam Taja Rahim.

He said the woman was with 16 others from various countries, including a tour guide, Bernama reported.

The group was on its way to Gua Luas after taking a one-hour boat ride into Taman Negara and hiking for two hours, Jerantut police chief Zukri Mohammad said. She fell several times and collapsed, Berita Harian reported.

Razam said a rescue team took three to four hours to reach the location after being notified at 7am. However, muddy conditions on the slippery trails, as well as unfavourable weather conditions, hampered the search on hilly terrain.

The search team halted operations at about 6pm and the body was brought out by helicopter and taken to Kuantan hospital for a post-mortem examination. - FMT