Desaru Coast tragedy: Body of Singaporean man swept off by strong currents is found, 5km off drowning site
His son had been rescued a day earlier, after both of them were hit by waves off The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
KOTA TINGGI — A 49-year-old Singaporean man was confirmed on Thursday morning (28 December) to have drowned after he was swept away by strong waves off Malaysia’s Desaru Coast.
The New Straits Times (NST) reported that Isaac Kelvin Tan Lee Thong's body was found by a member of the public at about 5.30am. Lianhe Zaobao also reported the Penawar Fire and Rescue Department operation commander Masri Ibrahim confirming that Tan's body was found on the beach of the One and Only Desaru Coast resort hotel, about five kilometres from the drowning site.
A Facebook post by the Johor Post on Thursday said that the man's body, in shorts and without a shirt, was identified by his wife on site, and later taken to Kota Tinggi Hospital.
According to NST, Tan and his 16-year-old son had been hit by waves while they were in the water off the beaches near The Westin Desaru Coast Resort on Wednesday.
According to CNA, a search-and-rescue operation was conducted after the incident was reported at about 12.30pm on Wednesday. Masri said that 17 rescuers were deployed following the distress call, and Tan's son was eventually rescued and sent to Kota Tinggi Hospital for treatment.
The operation commander added that a red flag had been raised to warn visitors against engaging in activities on the beach due to weather conditions.
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