BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Two Russian nationals were safely rescued after becoming trapped by rising tides near Padang Padang Beach in Pecatu, South Kuta, on Saturday (30/5/2026) night.
The tourists were identified as Shumskikh Ariadna Anatolievna, 22, and Kristia Kirill Eduardovich, 23.
According to Denpasar Police spokesperson Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, the pair arrived at Padang Padang Beach around 5:00 p.m. and spent about 30 minutes swimming before walking along the shoreline while enjoying the sunset.
As evening progressed, sea conditions changed and waves began reaching higher sections of the beach.
“Approximately 35 minutes after they were walking along the shoreline, large waves suddenly hit the beach area, causing both victims to become trapped,” Adi said on Sunday (31/5).
The two tourists attempted to climb nearby cliffs to reach safety but were unable to continue because of the steep terrain.
Shumskikh later contacted a friend, Ruslan Gruzinskii, through the Telegram messaging application to request assistance. The information was then forwarded to another contact, who alerted the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office.
The Denpasar Search and Rescue Office received the emergency report at approximately 9:30 p.m. and immediately deployed seven rescue personnel to the scene.
Upon arrival, rescuers coordinated with the Water and Air Police Unit, Balawista lifeguards, local residents, and the victims’ acquaintances to locate the stranded tourists.
The victims were found about an hour later. However, rescue efforts were delayed due to the steep and rocky cliff conditions, combined with limited visibility during nighttime operations.
Rescuers monitored tidal information from Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which indicated that sea levels would begin receding around 3:00 a.m.
While waiting for safer conditions, rescue teams remained on standby and maintained visual contact with the victims.
Eventually, rescuers carried out a high-angle rope rescue operation by lowering a team member down the cliff before evacuating the tourists one by one to safety.
“Considering the safety of both the rescue team and the victims, we successfully evacuated them at around 2:00 a.m. in safe condition,” said field coordinator Wahyu from the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office.
Police reported that Shumskikh did not suffer any injuries. Kristia sustained minor abrasions to both knees and his left palm.
After the rescue, both tourists declined medical examination at a hospital, stating they felt well and preferred to return to their villa.