RADAR BLITAR – A spearfisher died after strong waves overwhelmed him while diving at Gumiling Beach in East Java on Tuesday, police said.

The victim, Rudi Purwanto, 34, from Tambakrejo village, went to sea at about 3:00 p.m. with a friend to catch fish. He entered the water to dive, while his companion stayed onshore and fished.

After waiting for some time, the friend did not see Rudi return to the surface. He then reported the incident to coastal security officers and Wonotirto police.

Search teams and local residents immediately began looking for the missing diver. They found Rudi’s body near the original dive location at around 7:55 p.m. Officers then evacuated him to his home.

Forensic officers from Blitar Police examined the body with assistance from a village midwife. They found bruising on the right side of the head and cuts on the face caused by impact with the speargun. Blood from the mouth indicated lung rupture during drowning due to lack of oxygen.

Police found no signs of violence and confirmed all body parts remained intact. Officers collected evidence from the scene, including the victim’s black clothing, about 25 kilograms of fish, a homemade speargun, and snorkeling gear.

Authorities urged fishermen and coastal residents to prioritize safety at sea. They warned that currents and waves grow stronger toward evening, while visibility drops.