French Tourist Dies After Being Swept Away by Waves at Kelingking Beach
Rescue Teams Face Challenging Evacuation on Steep Cliffs of Nusa Penida
NUSA PENIDA, NusaBali.com — A French national was found dead after being swept away by strong waves while swimming at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, on Wednesday afternoon (October 15, 2025).
The victim, identified as Alena Andreeva Oparina, 32, was swimming around 1:00 p.m. when she was reportedly caught by powerful currents. Several bystanders at the beach attempted to help, but the woman could not be saved.
The Bali Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Denpasar received the report at around 1:40 p.m. from Ketut Suantara, a local military village officer (Babinsa) from Bunga Mekar Village. “The report stated that the victim had already been found deceased, and assistance was needed to bring her body up the cliff,” said I Nyoman Sidakarya, Head of the Bali Search and Rescue Office, on Thursday.
Following the report, five personnel from the Nusa Penida SAR Post were immediately dispatched to Kelingking Beach via land route. They arrived at the site around 3:00 p.m. and began descending the steep trail to reach the beach.
“The evacuation was physically exhausting for the rescue team due to the narrow and steep stairs leading up the cliff,” Sidakarya explained.
By approximately 6:15 p.m., the combined SAR team successfully lifted the victim’s body to the top of the cliff. The body was then transported by ambulance to Nusa Medika Clinic in Nusa Penida for further examination.
Agencies involved in the rescue included the Nusa Penida SAR Post, Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Nusa Penida Unit, Nusa Penida Police, Babinsa Bunga Mekar Village, medical personnel from Nusa Medika, and local residents.
Kelingking Beach, located on the southwestern side of Nusa Penida Island, is known for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, making it one of Bali’s most photographed tourist spots. However, the area is also notorious for its strong undercurrents and dangerous surf conditions, especially for inexperienced swimmers.
Authorities once again urge visitors to exercise extreme caution when swimming or taking photos near the shoreline, as several drowning incidents have occurred in recent years at this location.
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