PORT DICKSON: A paragliding operator is feared drowned after he fell into the sea near Batu 1 here this morning.
The gender and identity of the victim has yet to be officially determined.
According to a witness, the victim, who fell from a paraglider about 1.5 kilometres from the beach, floated for about 30 minutes before disappearing.
Port Dickson Fire and Rescue Department operation commander senior assistant Mohd Kamil Abd Jabbar said they received an emergency call at 11.07am and immediately launched a search and rescue (SAR) operation.
“The SAR by boat is still ongoing, covering one nautical mile off the coast,” he said.
Mohd Kamil added that other agencies have also been roped in for the operation, including the Civil Defence Department (APM), the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
“I urge anyone who might have lost a family member or friend, or anyone who knows the staff of the paragliding company to immediately come forward to help us identify the victim,” he said.
Another witness, Keffli Mohd Darus, 54, said he noticed a paragliding operator in the air at about 10.30am as he was about to head to the sea to fish.
“(The person) was in the air for about two to three minutes before falling into the sea. I saw (the person) waving and (holding on to their) parachute, before suddenly disappearing,” he said.
Keffli added that he immediately lodged a report with the police.