BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG – The search for a Russian national who was swept away by strong currents at Water Blow, Nusa Dua, South Kuta, on Friday (March 5, 2026) has yet to produce any results.

According to a report received by the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, the victim was surfing with two other people when the incident occurred. The victim, identified as Iurii Orlov (64), was suddenly dragged by the current and was unable to save himself.

“Our standby officers received the report at 13:55 WITA from the Nusa Dua Water Police, requesting SAR assistance,” said I Nyoman Sidakarya, Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office. Based on the initial report, the incident is estimated to have occurred at around 12:05 WITA.

Responding to the report, the SAR team immediately deployed eight personnel to the area using a rigid buoyancy boat (RBB).

“The SAR team departed from the Bali Basarnas Office in Jimbaran at approximately 14:20 WITA with four personnel,” Sidakarya explained.

Meanwhile, a sea search and rescue unit (SRU) also departed from the dock of KN SAR Arjuna 229 at Benoa Port at 14:45 WITA to assist with the operation.

Search efforts were carried out until 17:25 WITA but had not yielded any results. A land team also conducted a sweep around Water Blow Beach, but no signs of the victim were found.

According to information from the team on site, the search operation faced challenges due to high waves and very strong winds.

“We also coordinated and shared information with VTS Benoa to notify ships passing through the surrounding waters to report if they spot any signs of the victim,” Sidakarya added.

The SAR operation involved multiple agencies, including the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, Nusa Dua Water Police Post, ITDC security personnel, Nusa Dua hotel management, ITDC fire brigade, Badung lifeguards (Balawista), the Bali Police’s PAMOPID unit, and the victim’s family. (FF)