Photo op turns tragic as teen slips and drowns at waterfall

 

The boy’s body was found at a depth of about 3m, the Pahang fire and rescue department said. (Fire and rescue department pic)

KUANTAN: 

A teenage boy drowned after losing his footing while having his photograph taken at the Lata Jarum waterfall in Ulu Dong, Raub, near here today.

Shahrul Ikwan Adam Hareez Islami, 18, who was from a nearby village, had gone with two friends to picnic at the waterfall, said Pahang fire and rescue department spokesman Salahuddin Isa.

“He stayed out of the water. However, Shahrul slipped and fell while his friend was trying to take a photograph of him with the scenery in the background,” he said.

His body was recovered by rescuers and members of the public at 5.42pm.

Salahuddin said special equipment was required to locate the victim, who was found at an estimated depth of 3m (10ft) near where he had slipped. Rescuers initially struggled to bring the victim up due to the strong currents. - FMT