Japanese tourist dies rafting

Japanese tourist dies rafting

JAKARTA (JP): A 24-year-old Japanese tourist, Fusano Tominaga
was killed last month when the white-water rafting boat he rented
with four friends capsized on the Ayung river in Carangsari
village, Bali.

Tominaga's body was found on Sept. 24, one day after the
incident. The other six passengers, including two guides,
survived.

The rafting company, Bali Adventure Tours, said in a statement
that the fatal accident occurred when a strong gust of wind
overturned the boat as it was going down a waterfall.

One of the guides, I Ketut Suardana reported to his company
that he had tried but failed to help the tourists due to the
strong water currents.

"Tominaga's body has been sent home to Japan, along with his
four friends," a company employee told The Jakarta Post on
Saturday.

The company said its two guides had followed all the rafting
procedures including the rescue of their clients.

White-water rafting is gaining in popularity among tourists
after many operators began marketing the breathtaking sport as an
ideal way for young people to relieve stress and exercise.

Besides Bali, rafting is also popular in Aceh; Magelang, West
Java; Central Java and Padang, West Sumatra. (prb)