Grief at Drini Beach: SMPN 7 Mojokerto Student Swept Away by Waves, Three Lives Lost

Kapanlagi.com - An outing class that was supposed to be an exciting moment for students of SMPN 7 Mojokerto at Drini Beach, Gunungkidul, ended in a heartbreaking tragedy. On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, dozens of students were caught in fierce waves crashing onto the beach. This tragic incident claimed the lives of three students, and one other student is still reported missing.

The chronology of the event began when the students were happily playing in the water near the beach. Without warning, a large wave suddenly came and swept them out to sea, creating panic among their friends and teachers who were watching.

The bodies of the three deceased students have been returned and buried in their respective hometowns on the same night. This incident adds to the long list of maritime accidents on the southern coast of Yogyakarta, known for its strong currents and dangerous sea trenches.

Check out the complete chronology summarized by Kapanlagi.com on Wednesday (29/1), and let us pray that such incidents do not happen again in the future.

1. Chronology of the Incident Dragged by the Waves

A cheerful group from SMPN 7 Mojokerto, consisting of 257 people, arrived at the Hutama Beach Restaurant Drini, Gunungkidul, in the early morning around 04:00 WIB. After enjoying breakfast, a group of students was eager to play at the beach, but unbeknownst to them, they slid into a dangerous ship lane and got caught in a strong rip current. In an instant, several of them were swept out to sea and drowned.

The quick response SAR Linmas team immediately took action, using a speedboat to evacuate the victims. From there, nine students were successfully rescued, although they were in shock and weak from swallowing seawater. Tragically, three students were found lifeless after being trapped in a deep trench, while one other student is still missing and the search continues.

"The team has successfully found three victims, unfortunately, they were found deceased," said Surisdiyanto, Secretary of the SAR Satlinmas Region II Baron Beach, to ANTARA.

2. One Still Missing

After receiving reports about this tragic incident, the SAR team from Satlinmas Region II Pantai Baron along with a joint team immediately launched a search around the location of the incident. At around 10:45 AM WIB, they found three unfortunate victims in an unresponsive condition, lying about 100 meters from the shore.

The victims were promptly evacuated to RSUD Saptosari for further handling and identification. Amidst this atmosphere of mourning, the search efforts continued for one student who is still missing, with unwavering hope that he would be found soon.

"We are still trying to search for one other victim whose whereabouts are still unknown," said one team member with hope.

3. The Process of Returning to Mojokerto

On the sorrowful night of Tuesday (28/01), the bodies of the three students who tragically passed away finally arrived at their respective homes, about an hour after the outing class group returned to school around 9:00 PM WIB. In a poignant atmosphere, the three bodies were immediately buried in a public cemetery near their homes.

At the schoolyard, the arrival of the group was met with sobs from the victims' families, including the presence of the local regent who also felt deep sorrow.

In that emotional moment, a prayer gathering was held by the students and teachers, where they supported each other and provided motivation to let go of their friends' departure and to remain enthusiastic about facing the future despite having to go through this unforgettable dark experience.

4. Yogyakarta's Southern Beach Has a Forbidden Ocean Trench

Yogyakarta's southern beach indeed holds a different charm, but behind its natural beauty lies dangers that must be heeded. The strong back currents and challenging ocean trench make this area highly discouraged for water activities.

Anyone who dares to swim could be swept out to sea at a worrying speed, making it difficult for them to return to the shore. Coupled with high waves and steep seabeds, the risks increase. Therefore, tourists are reminded to always comply with warning signs and directions from officials to ensure safety.

"We have installed red flags and warning boards to remind visitors," said Noviar Rahmad, Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of DIY, as reported by RRI.

5. Accidents Frequently Occur in Yogyakarta's Southern Sea

Maritime accidents on the southern coast of Yogyakarta have resurfaced, marking not the first time for this region known for its natural beauty. A number of tragic incidents have claimed the lives of tourists swept away by the backwash, despite various preventive measures such as the installation of warning signs and regular patrols by SAR officers being implemented.

Unfortunately, many visitors remain indifferent to these warnings, compounded by a lack of understanding about the dangers of rip currents and minimal awareness of the high-risk beach conditions. Therefore, it is important to enhance education and outreach regarding the lurking dangers on the southern coast to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

"We also face significant challenges, as the character of the Southern Beach is often misinterpreted like other beaches, while the number of available officers is insufficient to monitor every corner," he stated.

6. Why is the southern beach of Yogyakarta dangerous for swimming?

The southern beach of Yogyakarta holds both charm and challenge, with powerful rip currents and deep ocean trenches, making it a stunning yet high-risk place for swimmers. Its natural beauty may be alluring, but visitors are reminded to always be vigilant and respect the unpredictable forces of the ocean.

7. What is a rip current?

A rip current is a frightening natural phenomenon, where this strong current acts like a 'highway' from the beach to the ocean, capable of swiftly pulling swimmers into dangerous depths.

8. How to avoid danger while visiting the southern beach?

Tourists are advised to always pay attention to warning signs for their safety and comfort while exploring the natural beauty.

(kpl/srr)