F

ormer Gianyar regent Anak Agung Gde Agung Bharata survived a freak beach accident that claimed the life of his wife, Nanik Wirna, on Sunday.

The couple were strolling along Sedayu Beach in Klungkung regency when strong currents dragged 58-year-old Wirna into the ocean.

Bharata attempted to rescue his wife but also succumbed to the powerful waves.

Bharata is a 61-year-old member of the Gianyar royal family and an influential figure in the local branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). He currently serves in the provincial legislative council.

The accident took place at around 10 a.m. and a frantic search and rescue mission was launched.

Braving heavy winds and tall waves, which twice flipped over the rescue boat, the search party scoured the nearby offshore area.

At around 12:40 p.m., Wirna’s body was found on the shore of Lebih Beach in Gianyar regency, 9 kilometers west of Sedayu Beach.

Later, Bharata washed ashore in Masceti Beach, 1 kilometer west of Lebih.

Bharata was rushed to Sanjiwani Hospital in Gianyar. By then, the Gianyar royal family had been informed that Bharata was found dead.

“Initially we were informed that he had died, but then we heard from the hospital that Bharata was alive and had spoken to his friends. It’s a miracle,” Gianyar palace secretary Dewa Nyoman Agung was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.

Bharata’s friends, including Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika and Deputy Governor AA Puspayoga, were seen waiting at the hospital.

“He is a strong man, he is fine, only a bit shocked,” Bharata’s close friend dramatist Kadek Suardana said.

However, the medical team at Sanjiwani said they believed Bharata was still in a critical condition.

Escorted by high-ranking officials, Bharata was then transported to the island’s largest medical facility Sanglah hospital in Denpasar.

“We would like to offer our condolence over this tragic loss. The Gianyar administration will cover Bharata’s medical expenses,” Gianyar Regent Tjokorda Artha Ardana Sukawati said.