Joint SAR team finds one tourist victim swept away by waves at Seruni Payangan Beach

Jember, East Java - A Joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team has located one tourist swept away by waves at Seruni Payangan Beach in Jember Regency, East Java, who was declared deceased on Monday.

Head of the Banyuwangi Search and Rescue Office, I Made Oka Astawa, stated in a written statement received in Jember: ‘After three days of SAR operations for two individuals swept by currents at Seruni Payangan Beach in Sumberejo Village, Ambulu Subdistrict, we have successfully found one victim.’

He identified the deceased as Barokatul Hidayat, 27, a resident of Karang Kebon Hamlet, Suci Village, Panti Subdistrict, Jember Regency.

‘The victim was found deceased at 5:30 AM after local fishermen reported suspicious objects in the Payangan waters,’ he added.

Following verification and evacuation procedures, the body was recovered at coordinates 08°26’25.909”S - 113°34’56.435”E, approximately 1.21 kilometres from the incident location in a 161-degree direction.

‘The victim’s body has been handed over to the family for further procedures and burial,’ he said.

He thanked all SAR units and the local community for their cooperation during the search operation.

Meanwhile, Jember Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Head Edy Budi Susilo said the search for the two tourists at Seruni Payangan Beach involved multiple SAR units, including Jember SAR Post, Jember BPBD, Ambulu Police Station, Ambulu Military District Command, Jember Police Water Unit, Puger Navy Base, Payangan Sea Forest SAR, Panti Village Disaster Response Team, Baret Rescue, Siluman Rescue, Senkom Jember, and local communities.

The SAR operation was supported by rubber boats, water rescue equipment, medical supplies, communication devices, and other support vessels.

‘The search for the second victim, Rifki, is ongoing, with attention to weather conditions and personnel safety,’ he stated.

Edy urged the public to remain cautious and vigilant when visiting southern beaches, especially during periods of strong waves and currents like those affecting southern Jember Regency.

Previously, siblings Barokatul Hidayat and Rifki were visiting Seruni Payangan Beach on Saturday (30 May), when they went swimming and were swept away by the waves, leading to their reported disappearance.