Body of Chinese tourist found floating off Buleleng beach

The lifeless body of Chinese tourist named Sonia Tung Wen Chyi, 44. Her lifeless body was found floating in the middle of the sea off a beach in Buleleng. Police suspected that she died after being drowned in the ocean while swimming. Photo: Courtesy of the Tejakula Police.
The lifeless body of Chinese tourist named Sonia Tung Wen Chyi, 44. Her lifeless body was found floating in the middle of the sea off a beach in Buleleng. Police suspected that she died after being drowned in the ocean while swimming. Photo: Courtesy of the Tejakula Police.

A foreign national from China was found deceased off a beach in Sambirenteng Village, Tejakula District in Buleleng yesterday afternoon. The Tejakula Police chief has confirmed the tragic incident.

Reports say the deceased was a Chinese tourist named Sonia Tung Wen Chyi, 44. Her lifeless body was found floating in the middle of the sea. Police suspect that she drowned while swimming.

“Her lungs had taken in too much water. However, further examination is needed to determine the exact cause of death,” said Tejakula Police Chief Gede Sudiana in a written statement.

Sudiana explained that Sonia had been staying alone at Hollyway Garden Villa since May 15.  Witnesses at the scene told the authorities that Sonia was last seen swimming alone on the beach north of the villa yesterday at around 3:15pm. 

Shortly after, Sonia was found floating face down in the middle of the sea. Her lifeless body was first discovered by a French tourist named Nicolas Benjamin Schindler, who happened to be staying at the same villa.

“At the time, the witness was sitting in the villa’s yard, working on his laptop. He saw the victim floating face down in the middle of the sea,” he explained.

Shocked, Nicolas immediately alerted the villa management about the incident. Together they pulled Sonia to the shore. Subsequently, villa staff reported the incident to the police.

Tejakula Police officers arrived at the scene with a medical team from the Tejakula Health Center. Based on the examination conducted at the crime scene, no signs of violence were found on the body of the Chinese tourist.

“For the time being, her body stays at the Sanglah General Hospital in Denpasar, along with a request for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. This case is still being handled by Tejakula Police,” he concluded.



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