A 31-year-old Malaysian woman has died after becoming separated from her dive group in waters off Pulau Tioman, police confirmed this week.
The victim, identified as Heng Jing Ying, had taken part in an “Aware Coral” reef conservation programme organised by the Tioman Dive Buddy Centre in Kampung Genting from 17 to 18 July, according to Rompin police chief Superintendent Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi. She was diving in the waters off Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman.
On 19 July, Heng joined nine other participants, an instructor and a divemaster for a fun dive at the Seafan site near Batu Malang, off Pulau Tulai. Supt Sharif Shai said that before the dive, participants were briefed on safety procedures and equipment usage, even though all were licensed divers.
Heng became separated from the group at a depth of 17.6 metres, prompting the instructor to begin a search. She was found roughly 30 minutes later on the sandy seabed not far from the dive site. She was given CPR after being brought onto the boat but showed no response, and was taken to a clinic in Kampung Tekek, where she was pronounced dead. Her body was later sent to the forensic unit of Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan for a post mortem. The Star
The post mortem found that Heng died of an arterial gas embolism (AGE), a condition in which gas or air bubbles enter the arterial bloodstream, blocking blood flow. In severe cases, AGE can trigger cardiac arrest, paralysis or strokes. Among divers, an arterial gas embolism typically occurs when expanding gas escapes from damaged lung tissue and enters the arterial circulation during ascent, and it can be linked to breath-holding, an obstructed airway or an overly rapid ascent. Malay Mail
Police said investigations found no criminal elements involved, and the case has been classified as a sudden death. Supt Sharif Shai said a thorough investigation was nonetheless continuing to determine whether negligence, technical issues or carelessness played any role. Malay MailYahoo!
He urged people taking part in diving, water sports and other outdoor activities to follow safety procedures, use appropriate equipment and dive with certified operators.
Pulau Tioman, off Malaysia’s east coast, is a popular scuba diving and snorkelling destination known for its coral reefs and marine life.
