Two sisters drowned while eight other people were rescued after an incoming tide caused them to get into difficulties in the water off Pantai Janglau 2 at Batu 5 today, said police.

Nur Nabilah Sharul Ami, 21, who was studying abroad, and her younger sister, Ainur Huda, 13, from Taman Murni, Parit Buntar, Perak, drowned in the incident that happened at 1.35 pm, said Rompin Police chief DSP Azli Mohd Noor.

He said eight other relatives were plucked out of the water by other members of the family, who numbered about 20 in all, and the public.

Those rescued were Muhammad Danish Haikal Khalid, 13, Kamalin Mastura Khalid 11, Kamila Massarah Khalid, nine, Muhammad Zikry Riduan, 17, Nur Aliah Riduan, 16, Mohammad Zahin Riduan, 13, Aimi Aulia Mazrizal, 50, and Raja Nur Zafeera Rahman, 12, he said.

"All of them were bathing in the sea when the incoming tide caught them by surprise and they were dragged towards Kuala Pantai," he said when contacted.

The other relatives realised what was happening and quickly summoned help while the fire and rescue department was notified, he said.

CPR was performed on Nur Nabilah and Ainur Huda but they could not be revived, said Azli.

He said their bodies were taken to the Rompin Hospital and then buried at the Muslim cemetery in Janglau.

The family members had come to the beach for a picnic in conjunction with the Aidilfitri holidays. The beach is near the home of the girls' grandmother in Kampung Janglau. - BERNAMA