Fresh findings from Indonesian police have revealed serious safety concerns surrounding the deaths of a Chinese couple who drowned while snorkeling near Komodo National Park, with investigators confirming the pair entered the water without life jackets and without direct supervision.
The victims, Guo Xingyou, 29, and Sha Gingyang, 30, a married couple from China, died during a snorkeling stop at Kelor Island, one of Labuan Bajo’s most popular marine tourism destinations, on Wednesday, July 15.
According to West Manggarai Police Chief AKBP Christian Kadang, neither victim was wearing a life jacket when they began snorkeling, and no crew member or tour guide was monitoring them while they were in the water.
“Both victims were swimming without wearing life jackets. There was no direct supervision while they were in the water,” Christian said on Thursday.
The latest findings shift attention beyond the tragedy itself to the safety measures that were in place during the excursion, raising new questions about snorkeling practices on one of Indonesia’s busiest island-hopping routes.
A Routine Stop Turned Fatal
Police said the couple was traveling aboard the KM Rinca Story, an open-deck tourist boat that departed Marina Waterfront Port in Labuan Bajo at around 10 a.m. local time, carrying both Indonesian and international tourists on a multi-stop island tour.
Kelor Island, known for its hilltop viewpoints and coral reefs, was the group’s first destination. After hiking on the island, passengers entered the sea for a snorkeling session.
Investigators believe the couple was caught in strong sea currents off the island’s western shoreline.
“We strongly suspect the victims were swept away by powerful currents, causing extreme exhaustion,” Christian said.
Rescue Efforts
Guo Xingyou was later found floating in the water. Fellow tourists immediately attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but he was pronounced dead after being taken to Komodo Regional Hospital.
His wife, Sha Gingyang, was initially reported missing. A joint search-and-rescue team later recovered her body from a depth of approximately 23 meters, ending hours of searching.
Both victims were evacuated to Komodo Regional Hospital in Labuan Bajo.
Questions Over Snorkeling Safety
Police have not announced whether criminal charges will follow, and the investigation remains ongoing.
However, the confirmation that the couple entered the water without life jackets and without direct supervision is likely to intensify scrutiny of safety procedures on snorkeling excursions around Komodo National Park, one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
While thousands of visitors safely explore the park’s waters every year, marine safety experts have long warned that currents around the Komodo region can change rapidly, even in areas that appear calm from the surface.
For travelers planning snorkeling trips in Labuan Bajo, the incident serves as a reminder that basic precautions, including wearing a life jacket and ensuring proper supervision, remain essential regardless of experience or weather conditions.
