BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG – A joint search operation involving Kuta Lifeguards (Balawista) and the Water and Air Police Unit (Sat Polairud) of Denpasar Police is continuing after reports emerged of a body floating in waters off Kuta Beach, Badung Regency, on Wednesday morning (June 17).

The incident was reported at approximately 7:45 a.m. local time near the western side of the breakwater in front of the Baruna Statue shelter at Kuta Beach. The reported location was at coordinates -8.724842, 115.169237.

Authorities have yet to identify the victim.

According to witness Andreas Budiman, 34, a member of Kuta Balawista, the report originated from two men who informed lifeguards that they had seen a body floating near the breakwater. The information was reportedly supported by video footage showing an object resembling a human body in the water.

Following the report, Andreas deployed an ambulance to the shoreline while fellow lifeguard Mogik Byantara conducted a sea search using a jet ski. The search covered waters to the south, north, and west of the reported location.

Despite approximately 90 minutes of searching during high tide conditions, rescue personnel were unable to locate the body.

During the operation, another Balawista member, Yoyok Wahyudi, 59, discovered several items believed to belong to the missing individual. The items included a pair of brown slip-on sandals, a pair of eyeglasses, a black cap, and a blue plastic raincoat found on top of the breakwater rocks.

The belongings were secured and taken to the Kuta Water Police Post for further investigation.

The Denpasar Police Water and Air Unit, together with Kuta Balawista, carried out a limited search and rescue operation, including processing the scene, collecting witness statements, documenting evidence, and identifying additional witnesses. Officers are also reviewing CCTV footage from around Kuta Beach, particularly cameras facing the breakwater area.

Police said search efforts remain ongoing. As of Wednesday evening, the reported body had not been found.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have information regarding the incident or recognizes the recovered belongings to contact police to assist with the identification process and ongoing investigation.