KUALA KRAI: A swimming outing for eight friends turned tragic when one of them drowned in a river in Kampung Lata Pauh here today.
The victim was identified as Mohamad Azri Aiman Rosli, 15, from Kampung Pemberian here.
The eight boys are students of SMA Darussalam in Sungai Peria.
Muhd Ikmal Akif Ahmad Suhaidi, 15, said he and his friends arrived at the river about noon.
"Some of us went swimming, while Aiman (the victim) and Wafi (Adam Aidil) sat by the rocks.
"Aiman slipped when he stepped on moss. He grabbed Wafi's hand, then they both fell into the river.
"We tried to rescue them, but we almost drowned. The water was 2m deep.
"We managed to rescue Wafi, but Aiman disappeared into the river."
Ikmal said other people jumped into the river to help Aiman, but he was already unconscious when he was pulled out.
A Kuala Krai Fire and Rescue Station spokesman said seven firefighters were sent to the scene following an emergency call at 1.16pm.
"The victim had already been pulled out by members of the public by the time firefighters arrived.
"He was pronounced dead by health officials at 1.30pm. His body was handed over to police for further action."