Teenager dies after being swept from cliffside photo spot at Indonesia’s Apparalang tourist site

A teenage girl who was swept into the sea by strong waves while visiting the Apparalang coastal tourist attraction in South Sulawesi was found dead late on Sunday after an hours-long search operation, local authorities said.

Elmi Febrianti, 17, was reported missing after falling into the water at the cliffside tourist site in Bulukumba Regency on Sunday afternoon. A joint search and rescue team recovered her body at 11.58 p.m. local time on the same day, according to the Bulukumba Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).

"The victim has been found by the joint SAR team in a deceased condition," BPBD Bulukumba chief Andi Hasbullah said on Monday.

The body was subsequently evacuated and handed over to the victim's family, he said.

The incident occurred at around 2.30 p.m. local time on Sunday at the Apparalang tourist area in Lembanna Village, Bonto Bahari District, Bulukumba Regency.

According to authorities, Elmi had been visiting the site with family members before she and a friend descended to a popular photo spot located along the cliff edge.

Hasbullah said the victim was struck by a wave while standing near the cliffside viewing area.

"The cause was being hit by waves at the edge of the cliff at the Apparalang photo spot, causing the victim to fall," he said.

Video recorded by visitors and later widely shared on social media appeared to show the teenager being swept into the sea by waves and strong winds while standing at the cliffside location.

After falling into the water, Elmi attempted to swim towards the cliff edge but could not reach safety.

No immediate rescue attempt

The incident drew public attention after footage showed the victim struggling in the water and signalling for help.

Local media reported that Elmi was seen repeatedly emerging and disappearing beneath the surface while waving her hands from waters near the cliff.

Hasbullah said there appeared to have been no immediate rescue attempt after the victim fell into the sea.

"Looking at the situation, it seems there was no one who immediately provided assistance after the victim fell from the Apparalang cliff," he said.

Ara Village head Amiruddin also confirmed that no one entered the water to attempt a rescue.

"Indeed, nobody went down because they were afraid. The current was very strong," he said.

Although life buoys were available at the site, they were not used during the emergency.

"There were life buoys, but during the incident no one took them because of panic," Amiruddin said.

Search operation

After receiving reports of the incident, a joint search and rescue team deployed to the location and conducted a search using inflatable boats.

The operation lasted for approximately eight hours from Sunday afternoon until late at night.

Earlier on Sunday evening, Amiruddin said the victim had not yet been located.

"The victim has not been found," he said at the time.

The search ended shortly before midnight when rescuers located Elmi's body about 1.5 kilometres from the point where she had fallen into the sea, Kompas reported.

Her body was recovered and brought ashore before being transported to her family home. Family members waiting throughout the search reportedly broke down in grief when the victim was found.