TEMPO.CO, Pangandaran - Two missing tourists in the South Coast of West Java were found dead after being swept away by high waves. One was found at Pangandaran Beach, Pangandaran Regency, West Java, and the other at Karang Papak Beach, Garut Regency, West Java

"At 10:00 AM WIB (Western Indonesia Time), they were found and immediately taken to the hospital," said Edwin Purnama, Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency in Pangandaran, on Friday, April 4, 2025.

The deceased victims were identified as Dede Sulaiman, 15 years old, a resident of Garut Regency. He drowned on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, around 07:00 AM at Post 5 West Beach The victim's body was found about one mile from the beach with a floating condition.

Edwin explained that the other deceased victim was Ridwan Nurohman, 15 years old, a resident of Pasir Layung Village, Pasundan Village, Cimenyan District, Bandung.

He was found about 100 meters from the incident location at Karang Papak Beach at 12:45 PM. He drowned on Thursday morning around 07:00 AM.

A day earlier, the joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team also found the body of Suhendar, 19 years old, a resident of Bandung City.

He died after being swept away by the current while swimming in the prohibited area in front of Pos 4 West Beach of Pangandaran on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, around 02:00 PM.

"Thank God all missing victims have been found and handed over to their families. We urge tourists to always be cautious," Edwin added.

The Chief of the Water and Air Police Unit of the Garut Police, Inspector Aep Saprudin, prohibited tourists from swimming at the beach. The reason is that the waves on the south coast are quite high, ranging from 2 to 3 meters.

"The waves are quite fierce because the beach leads directly to the open sea (Indian Ocean)," Aep explained.

According to Aep, visitors are only allowed to play in the water up to knee height. In addition, visitors are advised to tour on the beach.

"All beaches in Garut are not suitable for swimming because it's dangerous," he warned.

Similar advice was given by security officers at Pangandaran Beach. Visitors are only allowed to swim at Batu Karas Beach and East Beach. Meanwhile, at West Beach, there are many dangerous zones.

"We have advised, but there are still many who are stubborn. We hope that visitors can follow the instructions from the security team," Edwin said.

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