Two Chinese Tourists Die After Being Hit by High Waves While Snorkelling in Labuan Bajo

Two Chinese tourists, Guo Xingyou and Sha Gingyang, died after being hit by high waves while snorkelling in the waters off Kelor Island, Labuan Bajo, on Wednesday (15/7/2026).

The Head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas), Fathur Rahman, who served as the SAR Mission Coordinator, stated that the incident occurred when the victims were snorkelling and were suddenly struck by high waves.

Guo Xingyou was found first at 12:45 WITA in an unconscious state. He received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from fellow tourists at the scene before being evacuated to Komodo Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Labuan Bajo. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Sha Gingyang was initially reported missing, prompting a joint SAR team to conduct a search around the location. The second victim was eventually found at 16:44 WITA at a depth of 23 metres, approximately 0.21 nautical miles (around 300 metres) from the initial incident site. His body was also evacuated to Komodo Regional General Hospital.

With both victims accounted for, the search operation was officially closed and the joint SAR team returned to their respective units.

The Head of the Class III Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP) Labuan Bajo, Stephanus Risdiyanto, confirmed the tourists had sailed to Kelor Island aboard the Rinca Story, a vessel carrying nine passengers that possessed a valid Sailing Approval Letter (SPB) from KSOP Labuan Bajo. He stressed that the incident was not a shipping accident, as the tourists had already disembarked onto Kelor Island before the snorkelling activity took place.