SEMPORNA: A dive master and two Chinese tourists, died while scuba diving near Kulapuan island off here, today.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah, who confirmed the matter said police are still investigating the circumstances leading to the tourists and dive master's death.
"The boatman who brought in the victims has lodged a police report. We are in the process of taking his statement.
"At the moment, we are not sure what happened or the cause. We are investigating and I advise the public to refrain from speculating." he said.
Meanwhile, The New Straits Times learnt that the dive master was identified as Zainal Abdun, 31.
His uncle, who wished to be known as Ray, said he was informed of the incident at 3.30pm.
"I was shocked. The last I spoke with Zainal was at 2.15pm today, when he returned my call. I was asking about a car key, which he was holding.
"I knew at that time he was guiding two Chinese tourists. We didn't talk much as he was going for a dive," he said when contacted.
Ray said he too was unclear as to what had actually happened but noted that he had heard others saying "they were killed by fish bombing."
"I can't be sure but I believe the police are investigating. What I was told is that they had been in the water for so long and a group of dive masters went to look for them for more than an hour," he said.
According to Ray, the victims were spotted five metres below the water surface.
"I saw their bodies (when they were brought in). The bodies were in perfect condition but there were blood coming from inside (the body)," he added.
As at 8.30pm, Ray said family members have yet to lodge a police report but were waiting at the Semporna Hospital, where the bodies were taken.