A Chinese tourist identified as Qiu Yan (32) drowned while swimming at Long Pink Beach, located within Komodo National Park, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.
According to police and eyewitness reports, the victim did not follow the safety instructions provided by the tour guide. The West Manggarai Police Public Relations Officer, Ipda Hery Suryana, stated that the victim had been advised to wear a life jacket before entering the water but declined to do so.
“Before the incident, the victim had been given directions and asked to use a life jacket. But the victim did not use it,” said Hery in a written statement received by Kompas.com on Thursday morning, 19 June 2025.
The incident occurred around 09:30 WITA when Qiu Yan was swimming with a group of 10 other tourists. The tour guide, Anselmus Raden (24), recalled that the victim refused to wear the life jacket initially, stating that she only intended to take photos before putting it on.
“We have reminded her to use a life jacket, but the victim said she just wanted to take pictures, then take a life jacket. Not long after, other tourists at the scene told us the victim had drowned,” said Anselmus.
Qiu Yan was found unconscious and was immediately brought to shore by the tour guide and other nearby individuals. First aid was promptly administered at the scene.
CPR and Medical Response Proved Unsuccessful
The tour guide performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the victim in an attempt to revive her.
“The victim was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or heart-lung resuscitation. At that time, foam mixed with blood came out of the victim’s mouth and nose,” explained Ipda Hery Suryana.
Due to the amount of seawater that had entered the victim’s lungs, she was rushed to the Komodo Health Centre for further treatment. Medical personnel at the centre continued efforts to save her life, but she was eventually declared dead.
“The victim was treated by the medical team until she was declared dead. She allegedly died because too much water entered her lungs,” Hery added.
Following her death, a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team was mobilised to transport the body to Komodo Regional General Hospital in Labuan Bajo. The evacuation involved the use of two main vessels: a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and a fast boat provided by the Labuan Bajo Port Authority (KSOP).
Based on observations by ANTARA, the evacuation took place at approximately 11:50 WITA. “The victim’s body was immediately taken to Komodo Hospital in Labuan Bajo,” said the Head of the West Manggarai Transportation Agency, Adi Gunawan.
The Chinese tourist had been on a three-day, two-night tour organised by KM Tiga Jaya Pinisi Ship, which departed from Nusantara Port in Labuan Bajo. The tour began on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
Authorities have reminded tour operators and visitors to strictly adhere to safety protocols while visiting Komodo National Park, particularly during water-based activities.
Cover: Dokumen Polres Manggarai Barat_Kompas.com & Photo by Aruka Death on Unsplash
