BLITAR – A school outing to Pangi Beach in Blitar Regency turned into a tragedy after three students from an Islamic boarding school in Kediri were swept away by strong waves on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred at around 11 a.m. at Pangi Beach in Tumpakkepuh Village, Bakung District. The students were participating in an outing class organized by Muhammadiyah Markas Quran Islamic Boarding School in Kediri.
Authorities confirmed that two children survived the accident. Rescue teams are still searching for a nine-year-old girl who remains missing.
Aiptu Saiful Muheni, head of public relations for Blitar Police, said the group had been enjoying a recreational visit to the beach when the accident happened.
“There was a marine accident involving students at Pangi Beach in Tumpakkepuh Village, Bakung District,” Muheni said.
According to preliminary findings, the three students were sitting and playing near the shoreline before a large wave suddenly struck the area. The powerful current swept them away from the beach and carried them into deeper waters.
Rescuers managed to save two of the victims. Azizul, 11, survived the incident and reached the shore safely. Another student, 10-year-old Amira, survived after local fishermen pulled her from the water.
Medical personnel later transported Amira to the Bakung Community Health Center for treatment and observation. Officials said her condition remained stable.
The third victim, identified as nine-year-old Haira, remained missing as of Thursday evening. Search and rescue teams continued efforts to locate the child along the southern coastline.
“At this time, one student is still missing. Local fishermen have joined the search operation to help locate the victim,” Muheni said.
A joint rescue team launched an extensive search shortly after the incident. The operation involves personnel from the Indonesian military, police, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), local fishermen, and community volunteers.
Teams are searching both coastal and offshore areas. Fishermen are assisting with boats, while ground personnel continue monitoring sections of the shoreline.
The search faces significant challenges due to the natural characteristics of Pangi Beach. The area is known for strong waves, steep coastal cliffs, and deep sea pockets that are common along Indonesia’s southern coast.
Officials said rescuers are expanding the search area while prioritizing the safety of personnel working in difficult sea conditions.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers posed by powerful waves along southern Java’s coastline, particularly during recreational activities involving children and students.