‘They were calling for help,’ teen recounts drowning tragedy of two brothers

DUNGUN: Muhammad Afi Naashif Adli Noone is still struggling to come to terms with a tragedy that unfolded before his eyes this morning, when two of his close friends were swept away while swimming in Sungai Kampung Beril near Paka.

One of the two brothers has been confirmed drowned, while the other is still missing and feared drowned.

The 15-year-old said he feels devastated that he was unable to save the victims, who had been his friends since childhood and lived in the same village.

“They were both struggling and drowning, and calling for help after jumping from the wooden jetty for the second time,” he said, recounting the tragic moments.

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In the 10.56am incident, Muhammad Amir Ashraf Mohd Zul-Zunaidi, 15, and his 14-year-old brother Muhammad Aidil Amsyar Mohd Zul-Zunaidi, both students of SMKA Durian Guling, Marang, were swept away by strong currents.

Amir Ashraf’s body was found at the bottom of the river at 3.47pm while the search for Aidil Amsyar is ongoing.

Afi Naashif said he had gone to the river with his friend Muhammad Farish Iqbal Cik Mohanarunasdi, 14, and the two brothers for a swim.

“The four of us were initially swimming in the shallow area before going up onto the wooden jetty to jump again.

“On the second jump, the two brothers, who were in front of me, jumped first before both started drowning,” he said.

He said he and Farish Iqbal then jumped in to try to save them.

“We swam towards them. I managed to grab Amir Ashraf’s hand while Farish managed to grab Aidil Amsyar’s hand.

“However, Aidil Amsyar suddenly lunged and grabbed Farish’s head, causing him to nearly drown and sink.

“Farish eventually managed to resurface and swim back to shore, where he immediately sought help from villagers nearby,” he said.

Afi Naashif said he continued holding Amir Ashraf’s hand tightly while asking his friend to stay calm, but Aidil Amsyar once again lunged and grabbed his brother’s head, causing Amir Ashraf’s grip to slip away.

“They had never swum in this area before, and we never expected what started as a joyful swim would turn into such a tragic story,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times