'He loved diving': Father mourns son's death in Aceh accident
KUALA LUMPUR: The father of Haikal Rafie Halim, who died in a diving accident off the coast of Iboih in Kota Sabang, Aceh, Indonesia, yesterday, said his son had always been passionate about the activity and never imagined it would one day cost him his life.
Haikal's father, Halim Abu Hassan, said his son loved diving and had explored many locations with his friends and wife.
"However, we never expected that this time it would end in tragedy," he said when contacted.
Halim said his 33-year-old son had travelled to Aceh last Thursday with his wife and a group of 10 friends, and had sent a photo from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport before departing.
"They also called my wife, and we had the chance to exchange well wishes before they arrived.
"Once they reached Aceh, my daughter-in-law sent us photos and made a video call from the chalet. But my son was mostly quiet during the call, and it was my daughter-in-law who chatted with us at length."
He added that his son had often gone diving at locations including Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, and several other places.
"I only found out about the incident at around 1.30pm yesterday after one of his friends called to inform us.
"As for what exactly happened, I'm still unsure. My daughter-in-law is still too shaken to speak about it," he said.
Halim said his son's remains will be brought home this evening and will be laid to rest at the Kampung Melayu Rasa Cemetery in Rasa, Hulu Selangor.
Haikal was reported to have died while diving off Iboih at around 9.30am local time, accompanied by two Malaysian friends and a diving instructor.
Indonesia's Berita Rakyat Aceh news portal reported that police responded promptly to the scene after receiving the report.
The report said that after 20 minutes of diving at a depth of 30 metres, the group was swept away by an underwater current.
Haikal reportedly attempted to ascend following the instructor's orders but lost consciousness upon reaching the surface.
Rescue efforts were immediately carried out, and the victim was rushed by speedboat to Iboih Beach.
His friends and the instructor administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before taking him by car to a nearby clinic.
Upon arriving at the clinic at around 10.30am local time, medical personnel provided immediate treatment, but Haikal was pronounced dead.
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