GIANYAR, Bali – Foreign surfers riding waves off Bali’s Masceti Beach made a grim discovery on Wednesday afternoon when they found a missing woman drifting in the water, bringing an end to hours of searching by rescue teams and local residents.
The woman was identified as 48-year-old Ni Nyoman Murtiningsih, a resident of Palak Village in Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency.
Murtiningsih had been reported missing earlier in the day after being swept away by strong waves while undergoing a traditional sand-burial therapy treatment near the shoreline at Masceti Beach.
She was discovered at around 3:20 p.m., approximately one kilometer southeast of the area where she was last seen.
According to Blahbatuh Police Chief Commissioner Luh Putu Sri Sumartini, several foreign surfers spotted Murtiningsih floating in waters commonly used for surfing and immediately moved to assist.
One surfer placed her on a surfboard and brought her back to shore, where attempts were made to provide first aid.
“She was found at around 3:20 p.m. in a condition where she was not breathing,” Sumartini told reporters at Masceti Beach on Wednesday.
The foreign surfers and others at the scene attempted to revive Murtiningsih after bringing her ashore.
“She was given first aid at the scene. However, I cannot yet confirm whether she had already died at that time. That determination must come from the hospital,” Sumartini said.
Murtiningsih was later transported to Sanjiwani General Hospital for medical examination.
Her recovery brought an end to a search operation that had mobilized police officers, rescue personnel, and local residents along the Masceti coastline throughout the day.
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