KOTA TINGGI: A family of four's outing turned into a tragedy when two sisters drowned at Pantai Tanjung Buloh, Tanjung Sedili, today.
The victims are Nursalina Johari, 10, and her sister, Siti Rabiah Johari,13.
Bandar Penawar Fire and Rescue Department Operation Commander Mohd Khairul Sufian Bahari said the sisters, along with their mother, Mersidita Yunos, 46, and a relative identified as Saleha Haron, 27, experienced difficulties while swimming at sea in the 1.40pm incident.
Beachgoers noticed that the family were in trouble and went to their aid.
They managed to get both women to safety but could not reach the two children in time.
When the beachgoers found Nursalina and Siti Rabiah, they brought them to shore.
The two girls were pronounced dead by medical officers, who arrived at the scene shortly after receiving an emergency call regarding the incident.
Khairul said the girls' bodies were handed over to police, while Mersidita was rushed to Kota Tinggi Hospital.
The fourth victim escaped without any injury.