BESUT: A woman, believed to be a member of the Perak royal family, drowned while on a diving trip off Pulau Perhentian.

According to a source, the 61-year-old woman was confirmed dead by staff at the Pulau Perhentian Health Clinic after being brought there when she became unconscious.

During the incident at 4.15pm on Saturday, she went to Pasir Hantu bay and was at a depth of 19m with her dive mates.

The source said her oxygen tank malfunctioned moments later and all of them headed to the surface.

At 15m, she gave the “OK” signal and continued with the dive but suddenly became weak, the source said, adding that her dive mates went to her aid to help her breathe but were unsuccessful.

Besut police chief Supt Mohd Zamri Mohd Rowi, when contacted by Bernama, confirmed receiving a report but declined to comment further.