Chukai: A man is feared drowned after falling into the sea during the high tide phenomenon at the Geliga Che Akob Jetty yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chukai Fire and Rescue Station chief Senior Fire Superintendent Mohamad Hanif Che Khalid reported that the incident occurred at 10 pm. The victim, identified as Muhammad Anuar Syukrimie Mahmood, 31, from Kampung Geliga Jambatan, was sitting at the jetty with his friends when he slipped into the water. Despite their efforts, his friends were unable to locate him.

Mohamad Hanif stated that the emergency call was received by the department at 2:26 pm today, approximately 16 hours after the incident. In response, 17 personnel were dispatched to the scene to conduct a search and rescue operation.

The search efforts on the day involved firefighters searching within a one-kilometre radius from the believed location where the victim fell, utilizing two boats. The operation was further supported by eight police personnel with a boat and 33 members of the public.