"The victim`s body has been handed over to his family."Garut (ANTARA News) - Two tourists are reported to have drowned after being caught in strong sea currents while bathing at Garut district`s beach on Wednesday (Aug 22).
The first victim was a 20 year old Yari who went swimming at Karang Papak beach during his holiday trip, along with seven of his friends.
"The victim was reportedly drowned while swimming at the restricted beach along with his friends at around 5:30 pm," said the local Water Police Unit chief, Adjunct commissioner Asep Suherli, here Wednesday.
The victim`s body was found in waters near the beach at around 07.00 am local time, Asep added.
"The victim was found without any signs of injuries, he likely died from suffocation when pulled out by the waves. The victim`s body has been handed over to his family," he said.
Meanwhile, at Garut`s southern beach, 19 year old Opik was reported missing after being pulled out by sea currents at Paranje Coral beach on Tuesday afternoon, August 21.
Opik was swimming in an area with much coral when high tide arrived, pulling him out to sea, though his friends managed to return to shore.
"His friends survived, but Opik is still missing from when the high tide came in, we are still conducting a search for his body right now," Heru said.
Heru also asked visitors of the Southern Coast areas in Garut to be more careful and obey warning signs while on the beach.
Tourists can swim in beach areas that have not posted signs prohibiting swimming for safety reasons.
"The current sea tide is high and all visitors should be more careful and obey the rules," he said.
(Uu.A050/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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