Wan Ahmad Irfan Wan Abdullah Thani, 24, and his friends were taking a dip in the middle section of the waterfall’s cascade when six of them started struggling against the currents.

Hady Izzudyn Ikmal Hisam, 23, who had swum ashore for a drink, said all six could not swim, Bernama reported.

“I rushed to help and managed to save five of them with the help of the public. But we couldn’t find Wan Irfan,” he said.

The fire and rescue department received a distress call at about 3.40pm and dispatched 10 firemen. A search for the law student began at 4pm and Wan Irfan’s body was found 28 minutes later at a depth of 4.5m.

“Five of the victim’s friends who nearly drowned were taken to Setiu Hospital for treatment, while the deceased’s body was handed over to the police for further action,” it said.