Retiree Drowns While Attempting to Save Grandchildren from Strong Waves

A retired civil servant lost his life this morning while trying to rescue his two grandchildren, who were swept away by strong waves at Pantai Irama.

In the 9:30 AM incident, the victim, Rosli Yusof, 63, from Kampung Paya Senang, Kota Baru, had gone to the beach with his wife, child, and two grandchildren when tragedy struck.

Deputy District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Mohd Azrie Sulaiman, said Rosli, a former employee of the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia, was playing in the water with his grandchildren near the rocky shoreline when they were suddenly pulled into deeper waters by strong currents.

“Instinctively, the victim rushed to save them, but the powerful waves engulfed him as he tried to reach them,” Azrie said.

His wife and child, who were nearby, attempted to help, but his child was also dragged away by the waves.

Fortunately, Rosli, his child, and grandchildren were eventually rescued by members of the public and civil defense personnel. However, Rosli was found unconscious upon being brought to shore.

“Despite emergency medical treatment, the victim was pronounced dead by a medical officer from the district health clinic. Meanwhile, his child and grandchildren survived and were taken to Bachok Hospital for treatment,” Azrie added.

Rosli’s remains were sent to Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital in Kubang Kerian for a post-mortem examination.

Following the tragedy, authorities have urged the public to avoid swimming at beaches during the monsoon season to prevent similar incidents.