Tourist dies after losing consciousness during Tioman scuba dive

A 55-year-old tourist died during an introductory scuba diving activity in waters off Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman. — Pixabay pic

First Published: Thursday, 01 Oct 2026 9:20 AM MYT

KUANTAN, Oct 1 — A 55-year-old Afghan man died while taking part in a Discovery Scuba Diving (DSD) activity in the waters off Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman, Rompin, yesterday.

Rompin police chief Supt Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi said the victim, Mohammed Seyar Musazay, who was residing in California, United States, was confirmed dead at about 12.40pm after being taken to the Kampung Tekek Health Clinic.

He said initial investigations found that the victim was on holiday in Pulau Tioman with his 24-year-old daughter from Kuala Lumpur and had been staying at a chalet in Kampung Salang since September 26.

“At about 11am, the victim, his daughter and a scuba instructor went out to take part in the DSD activity.

“Before starting the activity, the victim and his daughter were briefed on the use of diving equipment. They were then taken to the beach for practical training and subsequently to the sea,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Sharif Shai said the dive lasted about 20 minutes at a depth of six metres, with the victim initially appearing to be in good condition and showing no problems.

“When the activity was about to end, the instructor helped the victim’s daughter return to the surface first from a depth of about three metres before he noticed the victim struggling to reach the surface about three metres away from him.

“The instructor then approached the victim and found that his breathing apparatus (regulator) had become detached from his mouth and that he was unconscious,” he said.

Sharif Shai said the victim was then taken to the beach before being transported by a villager’s boat to the Kampung Tekek Health Clinic, where he was pronounced dead.

“The victim’s body was taken to Teluk Gading by a Marine Police boat at about 4.50pm before being sent to the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) in Kuantan for a post-mortem,” he added. — Bernama