Two Russian tourists were rescued by a joint search and rescue team after becoming stranded on a cliff at Padang Padang Beach in Pecatu Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, on Saturday night, 30 May 2026.
The tourists, identified as Shumskikh Ariadna Anatolievna, 22, and Kristia Kirill Eduardovich, 23, became trapped after rising sea levels and large waves cut off their route back to shore while they were exploring the beach following a swim.
According to Denpasar Police Public Relations Chief First Inspector I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, the pair had been swimming at Padang Padang Beach at around 5 p.m. before deciding to walk along the coastline.
“While swimming, they explored the beach to enjoy the sunset,” said Saputra Jaya on Sunday, 31 May.
Approximately 35 minutes later, conditions changed as the tide rose and large waves began crashing against the shoreline.
“Then, 35 minutes after walking along the beach, suddenly a large wave crashed into the shore, trapping the two victims,” he explained.
Tourists Attempted to Escape by climbing the cliff
As the waves continued to increase, the two tourists attempted to move to higher ground by climbing a nearby cliff.
However, the steep terrain prevented them from climbing any further.
“Because the cliff was too steep, the two victims couldn’t climb any higher and were trapped,” Saputra Jaya said.
While stranded, Shumskikh managed to contact a friend, identified as Ruslan Gruzinskii, through the Telegram messaging application. The information was subsequently relayed to local resident Wedy Salmanto, who contacted the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) for assistance.
The Denpasar Search and Rescue Office received the report at approximately 9:30 p.m. and immediately deployed seven rescue personnel to the location. The team arrived shortly after 10 p.m.
A joint rescue operation involving Basarnas, the Denpasar Police Water and Air Unit (Satpolairud), the Water Tourism Rescue Agency (Balawista), local residents and the victims’ associates was then launched.
Evacuation Delayed by Difficult Conditions
Rescuers located the pair about an hour after arriving at the scene. However, evacuation efforts proved challenging due to the steep and rocky cliff face, limited visibility and ongoing high tide conditions.
The rescue team monitored data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which indicated that sea levels would begin to recede during the early hours of the morning.
While waiting for safer conditions, rescue personnel remained at the location and maintained communication with the stranded tourists.
Despite the difficult terrain and operational risks, rescuers eventually decided to carry out a rope-assisted evacuation using specialised high-angle rescue techniques.
The operation involved lowering a rescue officer down the cliff before bringing the victims to safety one at a time.
“Based on field considerations, considering the safety of the team and the safety of the victims, we successfully evacuated the victims safely at around 2 a.m.,” said Wahyu, the field coordinator from the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office.
Minor Injuries Reported
Following the evacuation, authorities confirmed that Shumskikh escaped without injury. Meanwhile, Kristia suffered minor abrasions to both knees and the palm of the left hand during the incident.
“KK suffered abrasions to both his right and left knees and the palm of his left hand. After receiving treatment and their condition improved, they were taken to their accommodation,” Saputra Jaya said.
Police also stated that both tourists declined further medical treatment at a hospital after being assessed by rescuers.
“After being successfully evacuated, both victims refused to be taken to the hospital for a check-up and for their injuries. They felt healthy and had no serious injuries, so they asked to return to their villa,” Saputra Jaya explained.
The incident serves as a reminder for visitors to remain aware of changing coastal conditions, particularly during sunset hours when rising tides can quickly alter access routes along Bali’s beaches and cliff-lined coastlines.
