Bali rescue teams have reported two major incidents at two of the province’s most popular beaches.
On Wednesday, 14th August, a tourist was rescued from the waves at Nusa Penida’s Diamond Beach in an incident that was a moment away from tragedy.
At Bingin Beach in Uluwatu, a tourist fell to his death from the clifftop of the iconic surf hangout.
In Uluwatu, Search and Rescue were contacted after members of the public spotted a body at the bottom of the cliff at the world-famous Bingin Beach.
While Search and Rescue were able to attend the scene in the evening, due to the position of the body, they were unable to safely conduct the evacuation until the following morning.
The Head of the Public Relations Section of the Denpasar Police, AKP I Ketut Sukadi, said that the body was first discovered by a French tourist who was exploring the area.
Search and Rescue were contacts after members of the public spotted a body at the bottom of the cliff.
While Search and Rescue were able to attend the scene in the evening, due to the position of the body, they were unable to safely conduct the evacuation until the following morning.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, Nyoman Sidakarya, confirmed the events at Uluwatu’s Bingin Beach.
He explained that rescue teams had to return the following morning with specialist equipment in order to conduct the operation safely.
He shared, “The body was under the cliff, so it would not be effective if it was carried manually up the cliff; it was agreed that the body would be pulled up.”
AKP Sukadi also shared, “The victim was found dead, and the evacuation process will take a long time because of the condition of the discovery of the body on the beach under a steep cliff.”
Police are now working to piece together the events that led up to the incident. It has been confirmed that the individual in question was from the United States of America, male, and 51 years old.
It is believed that he parked his rental motorcycle close to the clifftop at the Batu Jaran section of Bingin Beach.
Sukadi said, “Information was obtained that the motorbike had been rented for two months, and the victim had not paid for it.”
Over on Nusa Penida, a tourist is incredibly lucky to be alive after she was saved by a fellow tourist who risked his life to rescue her from the waters at Diamond Beach.
The world-famous beach is home to a crystal-clear bay. However, the water is exceptionally dangerous, and swimming or entering it for any reason is prohibited.
This is because there is a strong and unpredictable undercurrent and strong, high, and heavy waves that appear deceptively small.
The woman is believed to have entered the water for a swim before starting to be dragged out to sea.
A French tourist saw this happen and quickly managed to round up a group of tourists on the beach, wrap a long rope around himself, and swim out to save her as the group of beach-goers held on to the other end.
Together they were able to pull the woman from the water.
It is clear that swimming and entering the water at Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach are prohibited.
This includes paddling in the shallows, as the undercurrent is so fast and strong that it can pull people’s footing from under them in milliseconds.
While officials in Nusa Penida have committed to improving safety measures at the island’s top attractions, there are calls for solutions to be implemented more quickly.
Local politicians are even questioning regency leaders as to why greater strides have not been taken towards public safety.
Leaders say that stakeholders need more cooperation and collaboration before standardized safety protocols can be created for tourists and the tourism industry on the island.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Specialmoments
Saturday 17th of August 2024
This is unacceptable the number of deaths in Bali. It is unacceptable for the time it takes to improve safety standards by the governmemt, which never happens for all good reasons. And it is umacceptable that there is no regulation to 1.approve all life treatening activities and 2. control them 4 times a year. 3. As well as fire standards for hotel, guest house etc which is non existant. Thailand looks after its tourists.
Shorty
Monday 19th of August 2024
@Specialmoments,
This article is about two deaths.
One is from swimming at a Penida beach, one of two where it's prohibited, well publicised and the danger well known. There have been more drowning deaths at mainland Bali beaches. All sign posted with the danger, and many with patrols.
The other is someone who apparently was too close top a cliff top and fell. Bukit is defined by cliffs.
Primarily we're each responsible for our own safety and well being. If you have been made aware of, or recognise the danger yet ignore it - wear the consequences.
Exp
Sunday 18th of August 2024
@Specialmoments, Tend to agree. From my professional experience only skilled and experienced leaders can make a change related to safety culture. No need to say more.