BULELENG, Bali – The search for a 17-year-old yacht crew member who vanished off Bali’s quiet northern coastline has ended in tragedy after Indonesian rescue teams recovered his body from mangrove waters near Banyuwedang.
Rafles Tafa Kusuma, a crew member aboard the yacht Turmalin 384310, was found floating on Thursday morning during the second day of an extensive search operation involving multiple rescue agencies, police units, and local volunteers.
His body was discovered in a mangrove area approximately five meters southeast of where the orange speedboat he had been using was previously found washed ashore.
According to Kadek Donny Indrawan, coordinator of the Buleleng Search and Rescue Post, Basarnas rescuers launched their first search patrol at 8:05 a.m. using an inflatable rescue boat.
During the operation, a local fisherman alerted the team after spotting what appeared to be a body floating near the mangroves.
Rescuers immediately diverted to the location.
The teenager was found lying face-up, wearing a blue T-shirt and blue shorts. Family members later confirmed his identity before the body was transported to Buleleng Regional Hospital for further procedures.
A Night That Ended in Disaster
Authorities believe Rafles disappeared shortly after midnight on June 30 while attempting to return to the yacht from shore.
Investigators said the teenager had left the vessel several hours earlier, around 9 p.m., using an orange speedboat to travel to the beach. Initial information gathered by authorities indicates he had been under the influence of alcohol before setting off.
When he failed to return, concern quickly grew among fellow crew members.
The following day, residents discovered the unmanned speedboat stranded along the shoreline, prompting a large-scale search across coastal waters, beaches, and surrounding mangrove forests.
Major Search Operation
The rescue effort brought together personnel from Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian Navy, marine police, the Coast Guard (KPLP), regional disaster management authorities, local police, volunteer rescue organizations, the Indonesian Red Cross, and members of the victim’s family.
The operation concluded after Rafles’ body was successfully recovered on Thursday morning.
While authorities have not released further details regarding the exact circumstances of his death, the case serves as another reminder of the risks associated with nighttime boating and alcohol consumption at sea, even in Bali’s generally calm northern waters.
Banyuwedang, located near the entrance to West Bali National Park and a popular gateway for diving and snorkeling trips around Menjangan Island, is known for its peaceful coastline. However, local authorities note that changing tides, darkness, and reduced visibility can quickly turn routine journeys into dangerous situations.
Police have not indicated that any criminal activity is suspected, and the case is being handled as an accidental maritime incident pending final administrative procedures.
