Medical report confirms pre-existing heart disease as the cause of death; authorities urge health precautions for water activities.
A tragic incident occurred at Kepri Coral Resort in Batam when a Chinese tourist, identified only as W, lost his life while preparing to snorkel in the waters of Pulau Galang. The case has raised concerns over health risks associated with marine tourism, prompting authorities to remind visitors to take necessary precautions before engaging in water sports.
According to Galang Police Chief Inspector Alex, an autopsy conducted at BP Batam Hospital confirmed that W had an underlying heart condition, which likely triggered the fatal incident. “We have received the autopsy results, which indicate that the victim suffered from a pre-existing heart disease. This was the primary cause of his death,” stated Iptu Alex on March 10, 2025.
The police confirmed that W had been on a snorkeling trip at Kepri Coral Resort, one of Batam’s renowned marine tourism spots. The tragedy unfolded when he began experiencing distress in the water and lost consciousness before he could fully engage in snorkeling activity.
Concerns Over Water Safety Measures
The incident has once again raised concerns about safety measures for tourists partaking in water activities in Batam. Reports indicate that this was not the first case of its kind at Kepri Coral. A similar fatality had allegedly occurred before the Chinese New Year celebrations, although official records remain unclear.
A family member of W, speaking anonymously, told local media: “We heard that this has happened before. It’s tragic, and we hope authorities will enforce stricter health screening before allowing guests to engage in snorkeling.”
Resort Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of this report, Kepri Coral Resort’s management has not released an official statement regarding the incident. Attempts by media outlets to obtain comments from the resort’s representatives have been unsuccessful.
Given the popularity of Kepri Coral among both local and international tourists, concerns over the adequacy of medical screenings and emergency response procedures have been amplified.
Family Chooses Local Cremation
Following the autopsy, W’s body was handed over to his family, who opted for a cremation in Batam. “The family has decided to conduct the cremation here as part of the final arrangements,” confirmed Iptu Alex.
Authorities Urge Caution for Water Sports
In light of this incident, local authorities are urging travelers to undergo medical check-ups before engaging in physically demanding activities such as snorkeling and diving.
“We strongly advise tourists, especially those with pre-existing conditions, to ensure they are fit for such activities before proceeding. Prevention is key to avoiding similar tragedies,” added Iptu Alex.
This incident highlights the importance of health precautions when engaging in marine tourism. For travelers planning to visit Batam’s snorkeling spots, it is crucial to take necessary medical precautions and be aware of potential health risks. Resorts and tour operators should also implement stricter safety protocols to ensure the well-being of visitors.
Sources: Gokepri (2025), Batam News (2025)
Keywords: Tourist Death Kepri Coral, Snorkeling Accident Batam, Heart Disease Fatality, Chinese Visitor Dies, Autopsy Reveals Cause
