On July 15, a Chinese couple drowned while snorkeling in Indonesia after being swept away by a giant wave. The two individuals did not wear life jackets and were unsupervised when they entered the water.
According to the “New Beijing News,” on July 15, two Chinese tourists drowned near the Komodo National Park in Indonesia. The deceased were a couple. Investigators stated that the couple was swept away by a giant wave while snorkeling. One of them was found by rescue personnel and was declared dead after being taken to the hospital. The joint search and rescue team later discovered the body of the second victim in the nearby waters.
Indonesian authorities mentioned that the two individuals went into the water “without wearing life jackets and unsupervised.” Currently, Indonesian authorities are still investigating the incident.
On July 16, reporters from Jiemu News contacted eyewitnesses of the incident and several Chinese tourists who had gone snorkeling in Komodo.
Ms. Liu, who was traveling in Indonesia, witnessed the incident. She told the reporters that on the afternoon of the 15th, the female of the couple was rescued first and taken ashore by rescue personnel. After about ten minutes of rescue efforts, she was taken to the hospital. The male counterpart was not seen at the scene.
Another eyewitness mentioned that the male was only found by rescue personnel around 4 p.m. As per his understanding, both individuals had already passed away.
A netizen who had experienced snorkeling in Komodo explained that some individuals might overlook wearing life jackets and flippers because the water where snorkeling takes place is usually shallow. However, Komodo waters are known for their complex conditions with many underwater currents, posing significant risks when not wearing a life jacket.
“Snorkeling” refers to the water activity of floating on the surface without using an oxygen tank, using equipment like a mask (to prevent water from entering), a breathing tube (for surface breathing), and flippers (to provide propulsion). The Komodo National Park in Indonesia is famous for its beautiful scenery and is a sought-after destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.