A beachgoer who was swept 80 kilometers (50 miles) out to sea in a floating ring has been rescued off Japan’s east coast after being missing for 36 hours. The woman, in her 20s, was saved by two tanker crew members who bravely dived into the water to rescue her as she drifted off a peninsula south of Tokyo on Wednesday morning.
The rescue operation was initiated after a cargo ship crew spotted the woman and radioed the tanker for assistance. The Japan Coast Guard then flew the woman by helicopter to Yokohama for assessment following her overnight ordeal.
Despite being dehydrated, the woman's consciousness is clear, and she is not in a life-threatening condition, according to the coast guard. Hospitalization is deemed unnecessary at this time.
The woman had gone missing from a beach in Shimoda city, Shizuoka prefecture, at around 7:30 p.m. on Monday. She realized she was drifting about 30 minutes after entering the water and was unable to return to the beach due to the strong currents and winds.
Authorities believe the woman was swept away by the currents and winds, highlighting the potential dangers of the sea. Japan, known for its beautiful beaches, attracts numerous tourists seeking relief from the summer heat. However, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the risks involved.
In 2019, over 500 people were rescued in Japan due to beach-related accidents, as reported by the Japan Coast Guard. This incident underscores the importance of beach safety and vigilance when enjoying the waters.
