Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  An Australian citizen drowned while surfing at Grajagan Beach in Grajagan Village, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, on Monday (4/3/2024). Wahyu Setia Budi, the Coordinator of the Banyuwangi Search and Rescue Post, explained that the victim, identified as Gunther Henry Kitzler (56), was swept away by waves while surfing with his two friends, identified as Kingston Christopher Max and Gregor. "Gunther and Gregor arrived at Grajagan Beach around 5,30 am. Gunther went surfing first. Shortly after, Gregor and Christopher noticed Gunther's surfboard floating on the sea surface," he said as reported by antaranews.com Despite their efforts to rescue him, Gunther's friends, also Australians, were unable to reach him as large waves hit them, and Gunther disappeared, carried away by the current. "During the rescue attempt, Gunther's surfboard leash was tied to his leg, making it difficult for his friends to save him," Wahyu explained. As of this evening, Wahyu said that a joint search and rescue team continued  searching the area where the Australian surfer drowned.