At least ten people killed by strong waves while meditating on the beach

At least ten people who were on a beach in Payangan, in the province of East Java (Indonesia), died in the night from Saturday to Sunday. They were swept away by strong waves, according to the police. The victims were part of a group of 23 people who were meditating while holding hands.

“They were too close to the sea and couldn’t save themselves when the tidal wave swept them away,” local police chief Hery Purnomo told TVOne.

The guru will be interrogated

Ten bodies were recovered from the ocean and 12 people were rescued. A 40-year-old man was still missing on Sunday. The police chief was unable to say what type of ritual the victims practiced, but he indicated that the guru survived the tragedy and will be questioned.

Regional military commander Batara Pangaribuan said the beach was usually guarded and closed after dark, but the group managed to enter. Authorities had urged tourists not to swim or get too close to the water due to the risk of strong waves.