The parents of a female teacher trainee who drowned in a kayaking incident in Kedah were seen breaking down in grief upon arriving at the mortuary in Alor Setar.
They had travelled all the way from Sibu, first flying to Kuala Lumpur before continuing their journey by car to Kedah.
Parents arrive after long journey
Reported by Sin Chew Daily, the victim’s family arrived at the mortuary at around 4.57pm on April 5.
Upon arrival, the parents were overcome with emotion and cried out, “Where is my daughter?”
They were later escorted inside to complete the necessary procedures.
Two trainees drowned during kayaking activity
The incident took place on Saturday afternoon off Pantai Merdeka in Kedah, during a college-organised outdoor activity.
Two teacher trainees in their 20s, identified as Christopher Ling Jia Siang and Joey Ling Lin Siang from Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Perlis, lost their lives after their kayak capsized at sea.
Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said the pair are believed to have fallen into the water at around 5pm after their kayak was struck by strong waves.
Kayak possibly entangled in fishing net
Authorities also believe the kayak may have become entangled in a fisherman’s net, which could have prevented the victims from escaping.
The two were part of a group of 35 students kayaking from one location to another.
Several other kayaks reportedly capsized during the activity as well, but those involved were rescued.
Bodies recovered hours later
The bodies of both victims were recovered about two and a half hours after the incident.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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