KUANTAN: A Form Three student is feared to have drowned after disappearing in Sungai Kuantan near Indera Mahkota while trying to free a snagged fishing hook yesterday.

Mohamad Isyraf Danish Razmi had been fishing along the riverbank with three friends when he stepped into the river around 6.30pm.

Acting Kuantan police chief Superintendent Mohd Adli Mat Daud said investigations showed that the victim's fishing hook had become stuck in the river.

"He entered the water to retrieve it but disappeared beneath the surface. His friends panicked and immediately called for help," he said in a statement today.

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Adli said police were alerted to the incident at 7.30pm, after which a search and rescue (SAR) operation involving firemen, Civil Defence Force personnel and police was launched.

Commenting on claims that Isyraf had been pulled underwater by a crocodile, Adli said there were no eyewitnesses to support the allegation.

Meanwhile, Pahang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Mohd Salahuddin Isa said the Indera Mahkota fire station was alerted around 8pm, and the SAR operation began about 30 minutes later with police assistance.