On Thursday, December 19, 2024, 18-year-old Merlin Septiana tragically lost her life after being swept into the sea by a rogue wave at Semeti Beach in Central Lombok Regency, Indonesia.
At the time of the incident, she was posing on the rocky cliffs to take a photograph.
A Day of Sightseeing Ends in Tragedy
Merlin, a student from Tanak Awu village in Central Lombok, visited the beach with six friends and a driver. They arrived around 2:30 PM to enjoy the scenic views and take photographs.
The group took turns climbing the cliffs to pose for selfies, and Merlin was second in line.
From the footage, she was seen wearing headphones that may have blocked out the sound of the approaching waves.
As she posed on the rocks, a sudden wave crashed into the cliffs, throwing her into the sea. The strong current quickly swept her away, leaving her friends helpless.
Rescue Efforts Failed
In a desperate attempt to save her, Merlin’s friends could be heard screaming her name and trying to use makeshift tools, such as sticks and fishing rods but were unable to reach her.
They immediately sought help from locals and contacted the police.
Around 3:00 PM, local search and rescue teams, as well as the police, began their search efforts. Despite this, the rough waves and steep landscape made the operation difficult.
Merlin’s body was later taken to the funeral home by ambulance, arriving around 5:45 PM, where it was met by the grieving family, as reported by Kompas.com.
Family’s Shock and Decision on Autopsy
According to Detik.com, the police coordinated with Merlin’s family regarding the next steps.
However, they were still in shock from the tragedy and did not provide an answer on whether they would consent to an autopsy.
A Warning for Visitors
Semeti Beach, known for its beauty and dramatic cliffs, is also infamous for its strong waves and unpredictable rip currents.
Local authorities have frequently warned visitors about the dangers of climbing the slippery cliffs and underestimating the area’s powerful waters.
Lalu Punia Asmara, a local police official, emphasized the dangers of the beach. He urged tourists to be cautious and avoid risky behavior.
Watch the video here:
@dailymail Merlin Septiana, 18, was tragically washed away to her death in Indonesia after she had arrived at a rocky beach in Central Lombok Regency to take photos with her friends. In the picture taken seconds before being struck, she was seen wearing headphones that may have blocked the noise of the waves. Footage shows frantic locals trying to rescue Merlin, desperately clinging onto a boulder, as the churning waters battered her. But Merlin soon slipped and disappeared under the foamy white torrent. Read the full story at DailyMail.com. #news #indonesia #waves
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