A 22-year-old tourist was discovered floating approximately 20 meters from shore by local fishermen. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
BADUNG, Bali — A Chinese national has been found dead off Sawangan Beach in Nusa Dua, with preliminary investigations suggesting drowning as the likely cause of death.
The victim, identified by initials LM and aged 22, was discovered floating approximately 20 meters from the shoreline on Thursday morning, according to Bali Police officials.
Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, Public Relations Officer for the Denpasar Police, said the incident came to light after beach patrol personnel received a report from fellow tourists around 9:40 AM local time indicating that one member of their group had gone missing while swimming.
“The victim is estimated to have died from drowning while swimming at Sawangan Beach,” Adi said in a statement Friday.
Discovery and Recovery
Following the initial report, beach patrol officers began searching the immediate area. Approximately 20 minutes later, local fishermen located the victim’s body approximately 20 meters from the shoreline at a depth of around two meters.
The fishermen and responding officers recovered the body and transported it to shore before notifying police.
The victim has been transported to Prof Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar for further examination.
Investigation
The Water and Air Police Unit (Sat Polairud) of the Denpasar Police has assumed responsibility for the investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the victim’s travel documents, length of stay in Bali, or whether he was traveling alone or with companions beyond the tourists who initially reported him missing.
Context
Sawangan Beach, located along the southern coast of the Nusa Dua peninsula, is known for its relatively calm waters compared to Bali’s more exposed western and eastern shorelines. However, like all of Bali’s beaches, conditions can vary with tides and weather patterns.
February falls within Bali’s rainy season, which can affect sea conditions and contribute to stronger currents along certain stretches of coast.
The incident adds to a periodic pattern of drowning cases involving tourists at Bali’s beaches, where unfamiliarity with local conditions, rip currents, and sudden weather changes can create hazards for swimmers.
Authorities have repeatedly advised visitors to swim only in designated areas, heed warning flags, and avoid swimming alone or during adverse weather conditions.
Police are expected to coordinate with Chinese diplomatic representatives regarding notification of the victim’s family and repatriation arrangements once the post-mortem examination is complete.
No further information has been released pending the ongoing investigation.