PASIR GUDANG: An unexpected voice call from Kristine Grodem, one of four missing foreign divers off the Mersing coast, using the Facebook application on Thursday morning, has provided much-needed relief to her worried friend, a British national, Richard Wills.
Wills, 29, said he received a call from Norwegian diving coach Grodem, 35, at about 9.16 am, a day after Grodem and three other divers - British national Adrian Peter, 46, his 14-year-old son Nathen Renze who is a Dutch national and French woman Alexia Alexandra, 18, - were reported missing.
"I was driving to Mersing at the time and I slammed the break so hard when I saw her name on my phone. Just imagine this, when your dear friend went missing, suddenly her name appeared on your mobile phone screen, calling you.
"I was at an area where the phone signal was bad so I was driving around trying to get better signals. As I picked up her call, I was in tears, very relieved and grateful that Kristine (Grodem) called me. I was never this happy when someone called me before," he told reporters after visiting Peter Chesters and Alexandra Molina in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a private hospital here today.
Wills, a resort manager on Sibu Besar Island, who speaks Malay, said Grodem contacted him on Thursday by borrowing the mobile phone of one of the tugboat crew members who found her in the waters of Tanjung Sedili, Kota Tinggi, about 30 nautical miles from the scene.
He said after Grodem's call ended, he immediately contacted the authorities for help.
"I have been involved with the tourism industry here for more than five years and this has never happened. I am relieved that three divers have been found safe and recovering. They suffer some bruises, sunburn and mild hyperthermia but are recovering well," said Wills, adding that four divers stayed at his resort before they went diving at Tokong Sanggol Island.
Chesters and Molina were found safe in southern Pengerang, Kota Tinggi, at about 1 am today, while Grodem was found safe floating, equipped with clothing and diving equipment, by a tugboat en route from Indonesia to Thailand at 8.15 am on Thursday.
The search and rescue operation to locate another diver, Nathen was called off at 1.30 pm today following the victim's position was believed to be in Indonesian waters.
In the incident at noon on Wednesday (April 6), four foreign divers were reported missing while diving in the waters of Pulau Tokong Sanggol, about nine nautical miles from Tanjung Leman, Mersing.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Apr 09 2022
An unexpected voice call from Kristine Grodem, one of four missing foreign divers off the Mersing coast, using the Facebook application on Thursday morning, has provided much-needed relief to her worried friend, a British national, Richard Wills.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.