KUCHING: The bodies of two South Korean tourists, who drowned off the coast at Santubong on Saturday, have been released from Sarawak General Hospital mortuary.
The bodies of Kim Sung Hyun, 20, and Jung Yo Han, 24, did not undergo a post-mortem.
Their remains were released around 10am yesterday and are believed to have been flown back to South Korea at 3.30pm, together with other members of their group.
Minister of Tourism and Heritage Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, when contacted by The Borneo Post, said the incident was very unfortunate.
“My condolences to the family of the deceased persons. The incident was very unfortunate,” he said.
Sarawak Tourism Board president Wee Hong Seng said unfortunate events such as this were bound to happen any time, but warned that people must be careful wherever they went.
“Regarding this event, I cannot comment further until the official report is out,” he said.
Wee added that tourists — foreign or domestic — must heed the warnings and advice of hotel staff and management seriously.
He said beaches were dangerous places to swim in currently due to the monsoon season and heavy rain, which caused strong waves.
“I would like to send my condolences and deepest sympathies to the family members of the victims,” he said.
The group had checked into the beach resort on the same day for what was supposed to be an overnight stay.
It was believed that they went ahead with their swim despite being informed by resort staff of yellow warning flags along the length of the beach, indicating dangerous sea conditions at the time of the incident around 3pm.
The two victims drowned while attempting to rescue a woman in their group, who had been pulled out by the swift current.