GEORGE TOWN – An unusual family drama unfolded on the Penang Bridge today when a man jumped into the sea after his wife while their son frantically waved for help to save his parents.
The boy stopped vehicles crossing the bridge to notify commuters that his mother had fallen from the bridge and his father had followed suit in a bid to save her.
In the late-afternoon incident, the couple and their son were riding a motorcycle past Km1.0 of the bridge heading from the mainland to the island.
However, the 45-year-old woman suddenly acted up and forced the motorcycle to stop before dropping into the waters of the Penang Channel below.
According to a spokesman from the state Fire and Rescue Department, an emergency call was received at 4.40pm regarding the incident.
“A team of firefighters from the Prai fire and rescue station rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving the call,” he said.
“As soon as they arrived at the scene, they found that a woman had jumped into the sea from the Penang Bridge.”
Fortunately, the husband was successful in rescuing his wife.
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The spokesman added that firefighters were then rappelled down to the water to calm and coax the couple.
“The victim, who is believed to be suffering from depression, and her husband were taken to the Batu Uban jetty using a fishing boat accompanied by the marine police.
“The victim was handed over to the police for further action and the rescue operation ended at 6.18pm.”
It is understood that the victim’s son, who was with them, was left on the Penang Bridge alone before both parents jumped into the sea. – The Vibes, April 16, 2021