Eyewitness | The Denpasar City Police Water and Air Police Unit (Satpolairud) recovered an unidentified male body found on the shoreline of Gau Beach, South Kuta, Badung, on Sunday afternoon, April 19, 2026.
The body, referred to as “Mr. X,” was first discovered at approximately 3:00 PM WITA by a local witness, Ketut Sumiasa, who had arrived at the beach to cast fishing nets. Sumiasa reported seeing what appeared to be a human form lying face-down on the rocks.
Upon closer inspection, Sumiasa confirmed it was a male wearing only blue underwear. The body had already begun to turn blue, showing clear signs of death. Panicked, Sumiasa ran for help and encountered his relative, Wayan Sukarta, to whom he reported the discovery.
While Sukarta called for emergency assistance, Sumiasa returned to the site to ensure the body was not swept back out to sea by the rising tide.
Evacuation Process
Responding to the report, personnel from Satpolairud Denpasar, the South Kuta Police, and local Banser members arrived at the cliffside overlooking the scene. The team descended the steep terrain to reach the victim. A preliminary examination at the scene confirmed no vital signs and the presence of post-mortem lividity.
Approximately 20 minutes later, the Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) team arrived. The joint forces evacuated the body by climbing a cliff path located east of the Savaya Hotel. The remains were then transported to Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar for further examination.
Follow-up Investigation
The Identification Team has outlined the following immediate steps:
• Filing a formal request for a Visum et Repertum (VeR) at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital.
• Coordinating with hospital physicians to determine the preliminary cause of death.
• Conducting a thorough investigation to establish the victim’s identity.
As of Sunday evening, the body remains at the Prof. Ngoerah Hospital morgue pending identification.
Public Relation Denpasar Police City have confirmed and will give further information.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
