JOHOR BAHRU (Bernama): What was supposed to be a fun activity turned into a tragedy when one of 40 participants of a climbing event at Tasik 3 Beradik near Plentong drowned in the lake on Saturday (Nov 6) morning.

       Johor Bahru Fire and Rescue operations chief Senior Assistant Superintendent Saiful Bahri Safar, who led the rescue operation, said in the 11am incident, the victim, Mohamad Zarif Isyraf Zulkifli, 20, was believed to have fallen from the banks of the lake while crossing it.

       "A Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) vehicle and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) unit from the Johor Jaya Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) comprising seven personnel were sent to the scene after receiving a distress call at 11.20pm.

       "Friends tried to rescue the victim tried but ran out of steam and released his grip causing the victim to sink to the bottom of the lake," he said in a statement today.

       "The body was found at 12.55pm today at a depth of 12 feet within 30 feet of the victim’s last location and was brought ashore and handed over to the police for further action.

       "The operation ended at 2.30pm," he said. - Bernama