A Czech tourist was evacuated from Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, on Friday evening, January 9, 2026, after suffering an injury while at the beach.
The tourist was identified as Martelo Romano, 50. He was evacuated by a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team after sustaining an injury while descending the steep and rugged cliff leading to Kelingking Beach.
According to SAR officials, Romano became exhausted while walking down the narrow cliff path. He later sustained a minor injury while on the beach. While walking along the shoreline, a large wave suddenly approached, preventing him from reaching higher ground.
“After being hit by the wave, the victim fell and had difficulty standing,” said Cakra Negara, Coordinator of the Nusa Penida SAR Alert Unit, when confirmed on Saturday morning, January 10, 2026, as quoted by MediaIndonesia.
Following the incident, the victim was unable to continue moving independently due to pain in his lower body. Authorities were then contacted to request evacuation assistance from the beach area.
SAR Team Carries Out Difficult Evacuation
The Denpasar Search and Rescue Office received the incident report at 3:40 p.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA). Four personnel from the Nusa Penida SAR Standby Unit were immediately deployed to the location.
“They reported difficulty in carrying the victim up the cliff via stairs, which is approximately 170 metres high,” Cakra Negara said.
At around 4:45 p.m., the SAR team arrived at Kelingking Beach and began descending the steep coastline to reach the victim. Light rain was reported in the area at the time of the evacuation.
The joint SAR team faced challenges due to the steep terrain and limited access along the cliff path. Despite these conditions, the evacuation continued using manual carrying techniques.
The evacuation was completed at approximately 5:35 p.m., when the victim was successfully brought to the top of the cliff.
“An ambulance from the Griya Medika Clinic was on standby and immediately transported the victim to the Griya Penida Clinic. According to medical personnel, the victim suffered a dislocated hip and leg,” Cakra Negara said.
The evacuation involved multiple agencies. The SAR team consisted of four personnel from the Nusa Penida Alert Unit Post, eight officers from the Nusa Penida Police, seven personnel from the Kelingking Beach Community Rescue Agency (Balawista), two personnel from the Klungkung Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and four members of the Griya Penida medical team.
Photo by SAR Indonesia
