A French national identified as Alena Andreeva Oparina (32) was found dead after being swept away by strong currents while swimming at Kelingking Beach, Desa Bunga Mekar, Nusa Penida, Klungkung, on Wednesday (October 15, 2025). The incident occurred at around 1:00 p.m. local time, when the victim was swimming near the shore before being pulled out to sea by powerful waves.
According to reports, several beachgoers attempted to assist the victim but were unable to reach her due to the strong current. The efforts to save Oparina were unsuccessful, and she was later found lifeless in the water.
Search and Rescue Team Deployed
The Denpasar Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas) received the report of the incident at approximately 1:40 p.m. from the Bhabinsa (village-level military officer) of Desa Bunga Mekar. Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office I Nyoman Sidakarya confirmed that the team was immediately mobilized after receiving the report.
“The report we received from Mr. Ketut Suantara, as the Babinsa of Bunga Mekar Village, stated that the victim who was dragged by the current was already dead and needed evacuation assistance to bring him up the cliff,” said the Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, I Nyoman Sidakarya.
A total of five personnel from the Nusa Penida SAR standby unit were deployed to the location via land route and arrived at around 3:00 p.m. Due to the steep terrain surrounding Kelingking Beach, the rescue team had to descend a challenging cliff path to reach the area where the victim was located.
“The joint SAR team was quite tired of carrying the victim up, seeing the condition of the narrow and steep steps,” said Sidakarya.
Challenging Evacuation Process
The evacuation process took several hours due to the challenging terrain and limited access to the beach. The combined team, consisting of Nusa Penida SAR Unit, Navy Post (TNI AL) Nusa Penida, Nusa Penida Police, Bhabinsa Desa Bunga Mekar, local medical teams, and community members, worked together to recover the victim’s body.
After a long and physically demanding operation, the evacuation was completed at approximately 6:15 p.m. local time. The victim’s remains were then transported to Nusa Medika Clinic by ambulance for further examination and administrative handling.
Authorities Confirm Incident Details
Authorities confirmed that the victim had already passed away before the SAR team arrived on the scene. Based on information from the local military officer who first reported the incident, Oparina was found unresponsive and beyond help when assistance reached the area.
The Denpasar SAR Office emphasized the importance of caution for visitors at Kelingking Beach, an area known for its strong waves and steep access. However, no further details have been released regarding ongoing investigations or coordination with consular representatives.
Body Transferred for Further Handling
Following the evacuation, the victim’s body was secured and handed over to local medical authorities at Nusa Medika Clinic in Nusa Penida for formal procedures. Officials have not provided additional information on the next steps related to the case.
The rescue operation concluded without further incidents, and all responding personnel returned safely to their respective stations by evening. The authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the repatriation or identification process with the French consulate.
