GERIK: The body of a woman who drowned while bathing in a river with her family on Sunday was discovered in Sungai Rui, about seven kilometres downstream from where she was last seen.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Director of Operations, Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, said the victim was initially swept away in Sungai Beruk.
"The body was discovered by the Kerunai Volunteer Fire Brigade at 4pm today, caught on tree branches submerged near the riverbank.
"The body was taken to Gerik Hospital and handed over to the police for further action," he said, adding that the operation concluded at 5.30pm.
It is understood that the incident occurred around 2.30pm on Sunday when the family was swimming and engaging in water activities using flotation devices.
The victim, Nur Arina Azizan, 20, became separated and was carried away by the current.
The victim's 48-year-old mother, who tried to assist her daughter, was also swept away by the current, but was successfully rescued by villagers.
Gerik Fire and Rescue Station head, Mohd Azizan Aziz, said a team was dispatched to the location as soon as information about the incident was received at 3.11pm.