A Japanese tourist on a family vacation in Bali tragically lost his life while participating in a flying fish ride at Tanjung Benoa Beach.
Reports cite that the tourist, identified as Kikuchi Satoshi, 60, fell from the watersport ride on Friday, leading to his unfortunate demise.
Bali Police spokesman Jansen Avitus Panjaitan told reporters over the weekend that the incident happened around 10 am right in front of the Grand Mirage Hotel beach in Tanjung Benoa.
The Japanese man was enjoying the flying fish ride with his wife and three children – at the watersport facility.
The first session of the activity went without a hitch, with a boat driver named Zaini and an instructor named Wahyu ensuring the safety of the participants, including Satoshi’s children.
However, during the second session, when Kikuchi Satoshi and his 15-year-old son Kikuchi Haruki were onboard, an unexpected incident occurred.
Approximately 40 meters away from the shore, the flying fish ride suddenly swayed and tilted to the right. The instructor fell off, followed by Satoshi and Haruki after they lost their grip.
“Suddenly they came off and fell into the sea face down and unconscious,” said Jansen over the weekend.
The two victims fell a distance of about 3 meters into the water, and though they were given immediate assistance by attending staff, they remained unconscious. Satoshi was rushed to RS Surya Husada Nusa Dua for medical treatment. Unfortunately, he did not survive.
One potential factor that might have contributed to the incident was a sudden change in wind conditions. Wayan Simpen, a guide from the watersports facility, told a local news outlet that the sky was cloudy and that the wind unexpectedly picked up at the time of the incident.
He highlighted that flying fish rides require careful consideration of weather conditions, wind patterns, and wave heights to ensure the safety of participants.
The Water and Air Police Directorate of the Bali Police are investigating the incident. Authorities have questioned several witnesses, including the operators of the watersports facility. In this early stage of the investigation, the police have not yet drawn conclusions regarding potential negligence on the part of the operators.
Arrangements are being made to return Satoshi’s body to Japan with coordination with the Japanese Consulate.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring safety protocols and considering weather conditions when engaging in watersport activities, particularly in areas with unpredictable weather patterns.
